Service Providers Represent the Spirit of Homeless Connect 2019
One of the joys of Homeless Connect is witnessing the reaction from the guests to the care, attention and smiles they receive from the approximately 70+ service providers on site. Often the people that attend Homeless Connect have not eaten, slept or experienced any type of kindness you and I take for granted every day.
In case you were not aware of Homeless Connect, once in the spring and again in the fall, the Edmonton Convention Centre becomes a beehive of activity where service partners, agencies and hundreds of volunteers connect essential services with those in need. Our Spring event, Sunday May 5th will see the community provide a welcoming environment to those experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Dental care, clothing, housing help, and mental health services are just some of the resources available to those that need them. The goal is to provide same-day assistance and support to help create paths out of homelessness, build lasting relationships and raise public awareness in our community.
The gentleness and empathy from our service providers, most of them volunteering on their days off, is a real show of kindheartedness that has come to symbolize the care and compassion seen at Homeless Connect. We are giving a voice to our incredible group of SP’s that show up year in and year out so they can share their experience on why they continue to help.
Optometry
Opticians and optometrists, including a large contingent from Pearle Vision, have been Involved in Homeless Connect since the first event back in 2008. They have a firm commitment in giving back to the community and this shows with the enthusiasm, energy, and kindness the team brings in year in and year out. Over the years, volunteers from varied practice settings have participated in providing care.
The team is comprised upwards of 5 doctors and 20 support staff who are all volunteering their time, skills, smiles and expertise. This allows the Optometry area to perform eye exams, generate prescriptions and referrals, as well as offer reading glasses to Homeless Connect guests. Those patients who require prescription spectacles are directed to a local Pearle Vision or Lenscrafters to receive a complimentary pair.
Stephanie Trinh of Pearle says the volunteers from the vision sector that spend the day with our vulnerable neighbours come away with gratitude and wonderful stories of connection to our community. “Our volunteers have nothing but positive memories of the day. It is one of the highlights of our year and the volunteers really enjoy the event. We now have other sector partners like Luxottica who are in partnership with the OneSight charity program donating supplies and other eye firms who are looking to participate.”, says Stephanie.
As one of the critical medical services that are present at Homeless Connect, there is always a line-up of appreciative guests looking to access the skills of the eye professionals on site. The numbers speak for themselves: 300 pairs of reading glasses, 150 referrals, 100 vouchers for glasses and 80 exams are done on site. For many of the guests, this will be the only eye exam they will have had in months or even years. No medical coverage or insurance is necessary to access the area, which is a huge plus for many of the guests.
Stephanie tells of one story that shows how a visit to the eye service provider section ended in turning one guest’s life around. “I once had a gentleman come to visit me and asked if I remembered him. I couldn’t place him, but he told me he came to a previous Homeless Connect and I had helped him. After Homeless Connect he was able to get glasses, which led to him getting his driver’s license, then a job then steady income. The event was life-changing for him. It was quite an emotional moment for me and him. So rewarding to help people get back on their feet.”
Thank you, Stephanie, Pearle Vision, OneSight, suppliers and other vision sector professionals, for your service. Homeless Connect would not be possible without the dedication and commitment from the partners who plan, deliver and participate in the bi-annual events.
MC COLLEGE
One of the services offered is complimentary haircare by students and staff of MC College. MC College Group trains over 700 students annually in Hairstyling, Esthetics and Fashion Design and places over 95% of these students in training related positions. The school has a firm belief in giving back to the community and this can be evidenced in the 11 years they have been coming with their services to Homeless Connect.
Zsuzsana Varga, an instructor at MC College, has this to say on the school’s participation. “MC College prides itself on giving back; it can be a reminder of how grateful we should be and to share of ourselves. Students have experienced a feeling of humbleness and they feel inspired to be more aware of the people around them.”
Students offer a complete line of hair services to the guests at Homeless Connect and for many this will be the only professional hair care they will experience until the next Connect months down the road. The simple joy of receiving a haircut and a smile is a powerful moment, says Zsuzsana, “When people get a haircut and kind words, magic happens. The hugs, smiles and sometimes tears of joy.”
VCA CANADA
Edmonton staff of some of the VCA Canada hospitals have been attending Homeless Connect since the Spring of 2017. You would not think that vet services would be needed at an event for our vulnerable citizens experiencing homelessness or at risk of. It turns out the table is one of the busiest at Connect and sees returning guests event after event.
Nicole S. explains it this way, “we wanted to get involved but we weren’t sure how big the need would be for homeless people with pets. We were absolutely overwhelmed. The need was so great and we were all so pleased to interact and hear their stories, and help in a way that was near and dear to us. The human-animal bond is so important to people in all walks of life.”
Once the opportunity was extended to sector partners, Becky says it wasn’t too hard to find other pet health groups that wanted to lend a paw. “I am so incredibly proud to be part of a company that allows us to give to the community like this. When we invited our industry partners to participate, they jumped on it so fast and make it so easy to get large amounts of supplies to these people in need.”
Often times our service providers witness or are part of an interaction that leaves a profound impact on them. We will leave the last word with Ruthie from VCA who was fortunate to be part of one that has left an indelible impression. “I was talking with a gentleman who was overwhelmed that we were giving him cat food which would last him so long for his pet. He explained that he ended up caring for the cat as it was left behind by someone who had moved on. He described the love the cat had for him and vice versa and it really hit home with me how pets make our lives better…I will remember that conversation and the gentleman forever. Being there to listen is just as important as providing products and services.
We thank our generous service providers like MC College and VCA Canada for offering their time, energy, compassion, skills and smiles that result in these “tears of joy” experiences to the guests of Homeless Connect. It truly takes a community to make steps towards ending homelessness.
