One day one stop event at SC4 is free
By Barb Pert Templeton
People across St. Clair County that can use a little help be it for food, housing, healthcare or even utility bills will want to stop by St. Clair Community College on Wednesday, May 8.
It’s where the annual Community Resource Fair, which is totally free including providing lunch to attendees, will be hosted from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Agencies that provide various services in the county will have booths setup ready to assist visitors and there will be lots of free giveaways too.
Blue Water Healthy Living caught up with Alyse Nichols, MPH, CHES (She/Her)
Community Health Education and Outreach Coordinator and Media Contact with the Housing and Support Group to pose a few questions about the annual event.
BWHL: How long has the Community Resource Fair been hosted in St. Clair County?
Community Health and Outreach Coordinator Alyse Nichols: 16 years
BWHL: Is this event supported or sponsored by SC4 or is it simply the location for the program?
Nichols: SC4 is the location of the event. Representatives also sit on the planning committee to provide logistic support.
BWHL: Who is the Community Resource Fair for? Do participants have to reside in St. Clair County to attend?
Nichols: The Community Resource Fair is geared towards folks who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness. Participants do not have to reside in St. Clair County to participate. However, many of the resources are geared towards locals.
The vendors are agencies that provide essential resources to residents concerning housing, utilities, healthcare, education, and more.
BWHL: Can you share several examples of what the fair will offer to those in attendance? Who are some of the community resource vendors?
Nichols: The fair will have lots of components. Some highlights include:
- Free lunch to all participants provided by Mid-City Nutrition
- Mobile food pantry
- Outdoor activities provided by Port Huron Police, Blue Water YMCA, and 4-H
The vendors are agencies that provide essential resources to residents concerning housing, utilities, healthcare, education, and much more. This is a great opportunity for folks to connect with various organizations all in one day.
BWHL: Do those that attend need to identify themselves – show ID or share an address?
Nichols: ID is not required.
BWHL: If this is partially targeted for the homeless population, how can they get to the college that day? Is transportation part of what CSBS will provide?
The Community Resource Fair is geared towards folks who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness.
Nichols: The Community Resource Fair is not providing transportation to this event. Fortunately, SC4 is a central location and also on the bus line. In the past, many have arranged rides with friends or family as well.
BWHL: What is the overall goal of offering this fair each year?
Nichols: We aim to have the fair serve as a convenient hub, linking individuals and families to local resources that can enhance their lives.
BWHL: Do you get feedback that reflects its success in terms of providing assistance to those in need?
Nichols: We ask participants to submit a survey after attending the fair each year so we can better meet their needs the following year.
BWHL: Do you have sponsors that make this fair possible each year?
Nichols: Last year was the first time that we sought sponsors for the event. The funds raised are used to buy hygiene products for attendees.
St. Clair Community College is located at 323 Erie Street in Port Huron. For more information about the Community Resource Fair visit St. Clair County Resource Fair on Facebook.
