TORRINGTON - Each year, The Salvation Army participates in the Annual Project Homeless Connect Day in the Northwest Hills of Connecticut. This event, sponsored by the Charlotte Hungerford Hospital Mental Health Services Homeless Outreach Team, Northwest CT Continuum of Care, and City of Torrington, was held on Friday, May 3, at Coe Park and the Torrington Armory. Next door to the Armory, Doyle’s Medical Supply graciously offered up its parking lot to serve meals on that day, in addition to assisting with tables, chairs, trash receptacles, volunteers, and more.

The Salvation Army and other volunteers provided meals for individuals and volunteers in attendance. As soon as they arrived, staff and volunteers for The Salvation Army began serving up hot dogs, chips, and soda. Coffee from its mobile food truck/canteen and water was also served until the end of the event.

(Janet Recidivi, Secretary for The Salvation Army Northwest Hills Advisory Board, grabbing one of hundreds of buns, and her friend Ed Dubois, who has been a chef for 30 years, passing out one of many hot dogs grilled beautifully!)

Participating in such an event makes sense, as helping people in need is what The Salvation Army does! Major Scott Harvey, Northwest Hills Officer, commented, "It was great to see some of our clients enjoying the food. We were also able to become better acquainted with committed volunteers from other local agencies, also involved with caring for our local needy neighbors." Having only been stationed in Torrington, Connecticut for two months, Majors Scott and Patty Harvey found the event to be very helpful for them in getting to know the community, and educate it on The Salvation Army, as they feel more at home each day.

As a result of this event, many homeless and underserved populations from the area received the services they need as they work toward stabilizing their lives once more. Some of the resources offered included: Information on Housing, Medical, Dental, Employment, Legal, Veteran Services, Credit Counseling, Domestic Violence, Substance Abuse, Mental Health, and much more. In addition to resources, Project Homeless Connect provides a pathway to housing and self-sufficiency. By holding this event each year, Torrington and Litchfield County join other cities in Connecticut and around the country in working toward the common goal of ending homelessness. Since the first event held in May, 2007, Torrington, Connecticut has provided services to over 1,000 people.