A group of Discovery Community College students have spent the past few weeks scouring the streets of Campbell River for the homeless.
The group of seven have been waking through areas popular among the homeless in an effort to reach out to those living without a home.
As part of their program, the community support worker students are hosting a “trade fair” to help get as many people off the street as they can.
“We’ve been trying to get the word out and circulating posters and we’re hoping for a good turnout,” said student Brad Wilson. “The concept is to draw together the homeless of Campbell River and to make a connection between them and the service providers available in the community in a relaxed format.”
The event takes place Thursday at the Radiant Life Church (1251 Cypress Street, behind the fire hall) from 11 a.m.- 2 p.m.
Homemade soup, fruits, veggies and other snacks will all be provided free of charge as well as free Starbucks coffee.
A free table of clothing and shoes will be set up and Carol Chapman will be on hand to give haircuts.
Most importantly, 18 local care providers will be in attendance to help those living on the streets see what services are out there to provide help.
“The point in having them there is to help reach out to the homeless in the community,” said Wilson.
NIEFS (North Island Employment Foundations Society) will be in attendance to inform of any possible employment opportunities and programs, Robron Centre representatives from the continuing education and upgrading programs will be on hand, as will a First Nations alcohol and drug counsellor, Campbell River Family Services and more.
The event is based on a project that was started in San Francisco in 2004 which provided medical treatment, dental care, eye exams and glasses, benefits information and government ID cards among other things.
Vancouver, Burnaby and New Westminster launched their own projects based on the San Francisco model last year but Campbell River will be the first community on Vancouver Island to host such an event.