Community Resource Connect returned Tuesday, held concurrently in two locations. In Homer, attendees received information, support and resources from vendors and providers at the SPARC. In Anchor Point, the same was facilitated at the Virl “Pa” Haga VFW Post 10221.

In Homer, the walls of the SPARC building were lined with tables of food, clothing and bedding. Advocates, exhibitors and individuals seeking assistance filed in, ushered by a dedicated volunteer force.

Many community organizations and organizers were present, including SVT Health & Wellness, who shared information about their inclusive, sliding fee discount program for medical, dental, behavioral health and lab services. They also offer 304B “Care Cards,” which can help individuals get free or discounted medication, and a grant program known as Senior Access, which helps provide dental services to patients over the age of 65.

Volunteers at Homer Food Pantry and South Peninsula Hospital both worked hard to hand out food and fresh water to participants.

Bridget Clark, adult education instructor with Kachemak Bay Campus, provided information on free, accessible adult education classes offered through the college. In addition to offering support for students looking to earn their GED, the college offers free adult education classes that allow individuals to explore potential careers. Clark says one example is an introductory veterinary medicine course that will be offered this fall.

“Fourteen students participated last time we offered it,” she said. “Of those 14, two of them went on to study as vet techs in other programs.”

Other representatives from local organizations provided bags filled with toiletries, contraceptives and opioid and heroin overdose recovery kits, free of charge.

The annual event also uses an intake process allowing data to be collected by Project Homeless Connect, a national Housing and Urban Development survey that conducts annual “point-in-time” counts of people experiencing or near homelessness. Participants who visited on Tuesday were not required to complete the intake form or participate in the survey to receive services, but the option was available. Results from the HUD survey will be used to assess needs in different service areas nationally, affecting the decision-making surrounding federal funding of programming and accessibility of services.

Community Resource Connect in Anchor Point was organized by the Anchor Point Food Pantry, with space to facilitate the event offered by the VFW.

Anchor Point Food Pantry board president Missy Martin said Wednesday that CRC served 30 families at the Anchor Point event.

Vendors at the event in Anchor Point included Kachemak Bay Recovery Connection and All Things Recovery, Haven House, Alaska Housing and Public Assistance, the Department of Public Health, Ninilchik Tribal Council, Homer Animal Friends and Alaska Mindful Paws, and South Peninsula Hospital.

Casey Moss, board president for Homer Animal Friends, said the shelter focused on animal welfare within the community, providing bags of pet food and other supplies donated for distribution during resource connect event as well as spay and neuter coupons.

Ramona Taylor with the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation offered snacks to attendees as well as providing information on housing resources and helping them with walking through the process of applying for public assistance.

Board Vice President Barbara McNinch manned the table for Kachemak Bay Recovery Connection, handing out pamphlets for local addiction treatment agencies and recovery resources, Narcan kits, testing strips for fentanyl and xylazine, and other items.

“We’re happy we can be here,” Martin said.

Reach Chloe Pleznac at chloe.pleznac@homernews.com or by calling 907-615-3193. Reach Delcenia Cosman at delcenia.cosman@homernews.com.

Kachemak Bay Recovery Connection board vice president Barbara McNinch explains resources and programs facilitated by KBRC during the Community Resource Connect event on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025, at the Virl “Pa” Haga VFW Post 10221 in Anchor Point, Alaska. (Delcenia Cosman/Homer News)

Ramona Taylor with the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation provides information on housing and public assistance to attendees of the Community Resource Connect event on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025, at the Virl “Pa” Haga VFW Post 10221 in Anchor Point, Alaska. (Delcenia Cosman/Homer News)

Tables are lined with free food during the annual Community Resource Connect event at the SPARC building on Jan. 28, 2025, in Homer, Alaska. (Chloe Pleznac/Homer News)

Bags of dog and cat food, toys, and resources are provided by the local animal shelter, Alaska Mindful Paws, at the annual Community Resource Connect event at the SPARC building in Homer, Alaska on Jan. 28, 2025. (Chloe Pleznac/Homer News)

Free naloxone is offered by several providers at the annual Community Resource Connect event at the SPARC in Homer, Alaska on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025. (Chloe Pleznac/Homer News)