Wide range of services offered to individuals throughout Niagara County
3rd annual event expected to host more than 300 people
Project Connect Niagara, an event designed to connect those in need with critical services in a "one-stop" venue, will take place from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 25, at Heart, Love & and Soul Food Pantry & Dining Room in Niagara Falls.
More than 50 agencies and services will gather under one roof for this year's event.
Last year, approximately 315 attendees accessed free services and resources, including housing, employment, government benefits, veterans' benefits, and legal services. Also on hand was Mount St. Mary's Hospital, offering several free medical services. Transportation was provided from local communities to the event.
Each year, a goal of the planning committee is to expand the pool of resources available to attendees. This year's event. will feature approximately 10 additional services from 2017.
WATCH: Organizers detail Project Connect Niagara's Work
"We believe that Project Connect Niagara has become an important event to the residents of the city, that they look forward to each year," said Adam Bartoszek, committee chairman. "We are excited that the number of participants each year continues to increase, as do the number of services that we are able to provide. The community buy-in has been exciting to watch develop, and we look forward to seeing what this year holds!"
The event is presented by the Niagara County Coalition of Services to the Homeless, in conjunction with the annual Niagara County Poverty Conference. With a goal of making a positive impact on the community, the project aims to form a partnership between community volunteers, city government, nonprofits and the private sector to provide this "one-stop shop" of health and human services for those in need throughout Niagara County.
Niagara Falls Mayor Paul Dyster speaks at Tuesday's press conference inside Heart, Love & Soul.
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