Healthcare and hospitality at Homeless Connect

No judgment.

This simple reason, according to Richmond Public Health Nurse Alka Gupta, is why the city’s homeless — and those at risk for homelessness — feel comfortable attending the annual Homeless Connect, held at St. Alban’s Anglican Church on Oct. 22.

“This population knows that everyone who attends this event is here for them, regardless of the circumstances that brought them here,” said Gupta, one of the four-person Public Health nursing team who attended last Thursday’s event to administer flu shots and HIV screenings. “It’s important that we come here every year because this is a hard population to reach through traditional means.”

VCH Richmond participates yearly

In addition to PHNs, VCH Richmond was also represented by a contingent of ED nurses and family physician Dr. Robert MacKenzie. Auxiliary volunteers also attended, helping to outfit people with warm winter clothing, culled from its Steveston Thrift Shop stock.

Homeless Connect is but one of the programs that St. Alban’s hosts as part of its overarching mandate to address homelessness within the City of Richmond.

The annual event not only provides access to health care, but also gives attendees direct access to employment and housing agencies as well as to one-off services such as haircuts and bike tune-ups.

Connection to services is key

More than 40 people attended this year’s Homeless Connect, up from 35 attendees last year.

“The goal is to raise people’s level of health by connecting them to services they may need,” said Belinda Boyd, leader, Community Engagement. “If we’re successful, one day events such as these won’t be needed in Richmond. That’s everyone’s hope.”