Get Healthy: Resource expo assists homeless people

Q: What is Homeless Connect?

Homeless Connect, in its fifth year, is an annual event held on a Saturday in September in the parking lot of Carson City Health and Human Services. It is a "resource expo" for local needy people.

For four hours, a wide array of valuable services and information, many of them health-related, will be available in a friendly, outdoor environment. Resources are provided by governmental agencies, nonprofit organizations and private businesses.

Among services available at Homeless Connect are medical checkups for humans and pets; immunizations; HIV testing; showers; and legal dispositions (Judge Tatro will hold mini-court).

Attendees can also expect a plate of food for themselves and their pet; a choice of clothing, outerwear and shoes; towels and toiletry items.

Included in the offerings will be advice and information from organizations and agencies such as Ron Wood Family Resource Center, Carson City School District, Nevada State Welfare, Fitzhenry's Funeral Home, Advocates to End Domestic Violence, Big Brothers and Sisters, Boys and Girls Club,; Carson City Senior Center, Job Connect, Sierra Health Center, Nevada Legal Services, Capital City Circles Initiative, Carson City Library, Children's Cabinet, Partnership Carson City, Do Drop In, Disability Action Advocates, Latino United Community, Volunteer Attorneys for Rural Nevada, WIC, and Pets of the Homeless.

Other sponsors include Friends in Service Helping (FISH); Dr. Rex Baggett, Sunset Rotary Club, Sani-Hut, Port of Subs, Carson Coffee, Papa Murphy's, Corey Clown, Saint Peter's Episcopal Church, Saint Teresa of Avila Church and the First United Methodist Church.

Before lining up for checkups, individuals are screened to insure that those who need medical attention most receive it.

Human Services asks that people come with smiles, good intentions and lots of patience. Last year, hundreds of individuals attended Homeless Connect, and an even higher number is anticipated this year.

HOMELESS CONNECT

WHEN: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday

WHERE: Carson City Health and Human Services, 900 E. Long St.

Carson City Health and Human Services

Clinic Hours: Monday-Wednesday and Friday

9 a.m.- 4 p.m., by appointment

900 East Long St.

775-887-2190

Thursday is Immunization Day

8:30-11:30 a.m.; 1-4:30 p.m.

No appointment needed

www.gethealthycarsoncity.org

• Pam Graber is the public information officer for Carson City Health and Human Services. She can be reached at 775-283-7906 or pgraber@carson.org.