Volunteers sought for annual program to assist homeless

Organizers of next month's Project Homeless Connect are seeking volunteers for the annual event, which aims to help thousands of the valley's homeless find housing, jobs and other services.

Hundreds of volunteers are needed to help set up, take down and work the Nov. 10 event, scheduled for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Cashman Center, 850 N. Las Vegas Blvd.

Helpers will be asked to arrive by 7 a.m. and stay until 4 p.m., but half-day shifts also are available.

Project Homeless Connect brings together dozens of city, county and social service agencies that help the homeless. The Nevada Homeless Alliance and the regional Committee on Homelessness coordinate the event.

Attendees can get free food and clothing, haircuts, housing referrals, job placement assistance, dental screenings and other services.

An estimated 13,300 homeless people live in the Las Vegas Valley.

About 3,500 people attended last year's Project Homeless Connect, Clark County officials said.

In addition to volunteers, organizers are seeking donations such as T-shirts, socks and nonperishable food to give away during the event. For more information about donating, call 743-1487.