Housing, hygiene and job services available at Homeless Connect in Spokane Valley

Spokane Valley residents will have a chance to get clean clothes, a shower, medical care, food and career help at the city’s second annual Homeless Connect event Friday.

The event is open to everyone in Spokane Valley and will include a broad range of service providers. Attendees will also be able to visit municipal, community, district and superior courts to address any warrant issues without fear of arrest.

Aileen Luppert, chair of the organizing committee for the event, said anyone who needs services will be able to access a range of services, all in one afternoon.

While courts have been involved in area Homeless Connect events before, this will be the first time court services will be available at the Spokane Valley event. This is also the first time free showers will be available.

Luppert said homelessness looks a little different in Spokane Valley, with many students and families doubled up or couch surfing. She said single adult homelessness is growing as well.

“The face of homelessness is a little different in the Valley. It’s (usually) families,” she said. “But you’re welcome to come whether you have a family or not.”

Luppert said 325 people attended the event last year and there were about 50 vendors. There will be 64 vendors this year, and she anticipates a significantly higher number of people will attend to access popular offerings such as the warrant program, a free haircut service, medical care and the Jewels Helping Hands shower trailer.

“Last year, I was anxious on whether anybody would come,” Luppert said. “Now I’m anxious over whether we’ll be able to fit everybody.”

The event will be from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Opportunity Presbyterian Church at 202 N. Pines Road in Spokane Valley. A full list of providers at the event can be found on the Spokane Homeless Coalition’s website under Spokane Valley Homeless Connect.