The effort to end homelessness continues at the second Clallam County Project Homeless Connect. 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Thursday, March 17, at the Vern Burton Center, 308 E. Fourth St., Port Angeles.

It provides on-site services to people who are homeless or at risk of losing their housing.

At the event, individuals are offered hospitality and resources that include housing referrals and placement, employment services, medical care, mental health and substance abuse care, insurance benefits advice and enrollment, haircuts, and more.

Bus rides to the event are free from anywhere in Clallam or Jefferson County and riders just need to say, “Take me to Vern Burton Center.”

Community businesses, leaders and members partner to enhance the quality of life for the entire community and to increase public awareness of homelessness, in line with the Clallam County Ten-Year Plan to End Homelessness.

Last year’s event had more than 650 people attend. Funding for Project Homeless Connect comes from the Clallam County Homeless Fund, community donations and sponsorships.

“St. Patrick’s Day is an appropriate time for caring people to come together to help end homelessness in Clallam County,” said Cindy Burdine, Homeless Connect co-chair.

“We’re especially re-cruiting people with professional skills to volunteer for any part of the day. Dental and vision checkups were some of our most popular services last year, so we really need help in those and other health care specialties.”

Organizers are looking for dentists, greeters, exit survey-takers, and donations.

For more information on how to volunteer and/or sponsor, contact Jill Dole at 565-2608 or jdole@co.clallam.wa.us. To offer health care, legal, cosmetology or other professional services, contact Cindy Burdine at 452-9866 or cindybserenity@yahoo.com.