REGION — North County nonprofits, churches and business are pitching in to help with the Homeless Connection event planned for Oct. 10.
The event aims to get homeless families and individuals in touch with needed services, so they can become self-sufficient. It also serves as an early signup for North County winter homeless shelters, which open in November and December.
Pastor Steve Bassett, director of Bread of Life Rescue Mission, said people who attend the event want to secure employment and permanent housing, but do not know where to start.
Some begin at square one and need a social security card and California identification.
Bassett said there will be services on hand to help people to get documents they need.
“It’s about getting people informed,” Bassett said. “People are typically very happy we’re there. They honestly want to get off the street.”
Other services that will be provided include flu shots, medical screenings, CalFresh food assistance and health insurance signups.
Bassett said he is still recruiting professionals to volunteer to give haircuts, veterinary services and provide transportation or bus passes for the day.
Representatives from the DMV and veterans programs are also welcome to share expertise and donations will be put to good use.
Bassett said the last North County Homeless Connection was held in Del Mar in 2012.
He added the event draws families, veterans and single men and women in need.
The event is organized by members of the Alliance for Regional Solutions. It will be held at the Bread of Life Rescue Mission, located at 1919 Apple Street in Oceanside from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 10.
The Bread of Life Rescue Mission distributes donated food to those in need at locations throughout North County year round. The rescue mission also serves hot food at its soup kitchen, and houses men and women in its 50-bed winter shelter.
Individuals in its winter shelter program have a case manager and are usually successful in gaining employment and becoming self-sufficient. Referrals are made for individuals with mental and physical health issues that prevent them from working.
For more information on the event, contact Bassett at (760) 521-8722.
