Project Connect provides a number of necessities for community
(Photo Courtesy/Mike Beiermeister) People sort through produce provided by the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan.
Alpena — Hundreds packed the community room and hovered around the entrance of St. Bernard’s Catholic Church on Thursday evening to gather necessities.
The event which was put on by the Alpena County Human Services Coordinating Council this year provide services, information, and food for those people that are struggling to make it by. That can mean those who are homeless or working but barely making it by. Between food insecurity and low-wage paying jobs, 50% of Alpena County are experiencing this lifestyle according to Alpena County HSCC Worker Erica Phillips.
“It’s rewarding from a health perspective, we’re meeting some of the basic needs, and then we’re giving them food that’s nutritious and that is really helping our food insecure population in the Alpena service area,” said Phillips.
Other community organizations and health services chipped in time and talent to the project including the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan. They provided fresh produce for people to take as much as they needed. The Alcona Health Center provided dental cleanings and blood pressure checks. Bella U Salon offered haircuts. MI Works! gave resume and cover letter critiques.
