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Record Amount of Volunteers Help Homeless at Hope Connection

Anna Thomas
/
KSMU

A record breaking amount of community members offered their support today to Springfield’s homeless population.

The Hope Connection event at the Expo Center had over 400 volunteers helping with a range of services to patrons.

Michelle Garand is the deputy director of affordable housing and homeless prevention for Community Partnership of the Ozarks, which teamed with more than 40 partner agencies to host the event.

“They’re getting healthcare, they’re getting housing, everything thing they could need for housing and financial security,” Garand said.

The doors opened at 6 a.m. as a warming station for guests. Hours later, each person was partnered with a guide to lead them through services like vision checks, immunizations, applications for healthcare, and even haircuts.

Sharon Eagleburger is a volunteer.

“It’s our job to go ahead and persuade them to go ahead to go to each of the other booths to see what they can provide for you,” Eagleburger said.

She adds that the experience is an eye-opener.

“It’s also a way to give back to them because you kind of develop a relationship with them, you get to understand their story,” Eagleburger said.

The event helped an estimated 500 homeless community members. Many, however, were reluctant to comment on their experience to KSMU.

This is the sixth year Hope Connection has provided the service, which also includes a breakfast and lunch and shuttle service from downtown.

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