FOOD for Lane County - Project Homeless Connect

Project Homeless Connect Does a Lot of Good for a Lot of People


	Amber Tucker receives treatment for an absessed tooth in the Mobile Dental Van operated by Northwest Medical Teams.

The Mobile Dental Van was Amber Tucker's first stop after checking in at Project Homeless Connect. An absessed tooth was causing her a lot of pain and she couldn't wait to feel better.

Tucker, 21, is living with friends in Junction City until she can find a job and move into a place of her own. After the dental van, Tucker's next stop was the employment booth.

Tucker was one of more than 1,000 people who turned out for the one-day event on Feb. 8 at the Lane Events Center, an event designed to provide as many services as possible to people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Guests could choose from a variety of free services including pet care and supplies, bike and wheelchair repair, tax assistance, medical and dental care, hair cuts, legal assistance, help with housing and employment and more.


Tom Peron, who is staying at the Eugene Mission, gets a flu shot from Cornelia Henhardt of Cascade Health Solutions.

On any given night in Lane County, more than 1,200 men, women and children are homeless or living in temporary shelters. That number doesn't include homeless individuals and families who are sleeping on the street, in cars or with friends or family. ShelterCare estimates that the actual number is probably two or three times higher.


	Dave Stetta receives an eye exam from Lions' Club member Don Bowers.

Project Homeless Connect for Lane County was organized by a broad coalition of participants, sponsors and donors, including Lane County, the cities of Eugene and Springfield, United Way of Lane County, ShelterCare, Lane Community College, Volunteers in Medicine, LTD and many more. FOOD for Lane County was one of more than 150 local nonprofits, public agencies and private businesses that teamed up to donate time, money, products and services to the event.

"I saw a lot of people smiling, people who may not have much to smile about," said Laurie Trieger, FOOD for Lane County Advocacy and Outreach Coordinator, whose team provided food and hospitality for the event. "I think we did a lot of good for a lot of people here today. It was the right thing to do and a privilege to be part of it."