Press Release

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August 1, 2008

Volunteers are needed to work at an annual one-day event that connects hundreds of people who are homeless with a wide range of important social services and housing referrals.

Project Homeless Connect 3, sponsored by Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS), the Greater Richmond Interfaith Program and the City of Antioch, is a single-day event that offers medical and dental care, alcohol and drug referrals, wheelchair repairs, housing and employment information and much more. The event, which will be held on September 10 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Contra Costa County Fairgrounds, 1201 West 10th Street, Antioch, depends largely on volunteers support.

"Volunteers are a key to this program´s success and we need all kinds. We need skilled volunteers such as dentists, optometrists and substance abuse counselors, as well as volunteers to set-up, distribute food and more. There is a job for everyone," said Cynthia Belon, Director of the CCHS Homeless Program.

According to Belon, volunteers can assist all day or just for a few hours and can register on the CCHS website, cchealth.org, or by calling 925-313-6124.

"Volunteering in last year´s event was very fulfilling. I made bikes and wheelchairs safer and easier to ride and I learned new techniques. It was a win-win situation," said Paul Cardinet, a CCHS employee who volunteered at last year´s Project Homeless Connect event.

Belon said approximately 400 participants received services at last year´s event and 500 the year before. Evaluations showed they were overwhelmingly pleased with the event and with the kindness shown by the volunteers.

Organizers are also accepting monetary donations. Checks can be mailed to the Greater Richmond Interfaith Program, c/o Contra Costa Homeless Program, 597 Center Avenue, Suite 325, Martinez, CA 94553.

Starting August 6, donations of coats, jackets, gloves, hats and scarves also will be accepted at the Homeless Shelter, 2047 Arnold Industrial Way, Concord.

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