Project Connect

Our conversation today with Jennifer Hall, Sr Director of Community Investment with United Way Northern Shenandoah Valley was a refresher for their upcoming Project Connect resource fair. She explained what the event is, how it works, and why it's an important part of their mission to serve the ALICE (Asset Limited Income Contrained Employed) population. They currently have a need for volunteer guides - especially those who are bilingual - and explained the positive impact you will experience. Project Connect is a project of United Way NSV and Valley Assistance Network that strengthens and utilizes collaborations with agencies, businesses, organizations, and the community to provide comprehensive services through an in-person resource fair event for those who are at risk of becoming homeless, are currently experiencing homelessness, or are living on the cusp of making it or not. The goal for the event, and its high level of volunteer involvement, is to eliminate some of the barriers people experience as they seek to access the very services that might help them start the return journey to stable lives. The Project Connect model is unique because participants are paired 1-on-1 with volunteers who guide them to areas to receive services. Each client is paired with an individual, so clients receive one-on-one attention. Being a Guide is an amazing opportunity to get to know someone in need and make a difference in someone's life. The experience is transformative for volunteers as well: they see firsthand how hard it can be to live in poverty, and many are so moved by their experience that they later go on to become engaged in other ways to give back to the community. The event helps to open their eyes to the reality of need in the community and causes them to rethink many of the stereotypes and misconceptions about poverty and homelessness. The event is also an opportunity for service learning, and college and university students.  Learn more: https://www.unitedwaynsv.org/projectconnect