Missoula, MT – The Missoula Public Library buzzed with activity on Friday as dozens of organizations gathered for an annual event designed to offer free services to those in need. Project Community Connect, a community-driven initiative, welcomed a diverse crowd to the library’s several floors, where volunteers were ready to assist with a wide range of resources, including housing, health services, dental care, food, clothing, and more.
The event, which has become a staple in Missoula, was praised for its wide-reaching impact on the community. Briella Wilson, a volunteer, spoke about the significance of the event, noting how it reaches a broad spectrum of individuals and families. “I think it’s just reaching a lot of people and having a very big impact,” Wilson said, reflecting on the volunteer-driven nature of the event and the essential services it provides.
Project Community Connect is designed as a one-stop-shop for people to address some of their most pressing needs. The event is free of charge and aims to connect individuals with resources that might otherwise be difficult to access. “We have great opportunities here, and just being able to help people find the right places and get started in the right direction is super important,” Wilson added.
For attendees, the event was an opportunity to explore a wide variety of services all under one roof. Jae Lyn Venable, a Missoula community member, shared her positive experience at the event. “We came here today because we heard there’s a lot of stuff going on here,” Venable said, noting the welcoming atmosphere that made the event accessible to families. She was especially grateful for the clothing selection, where volunteers handed out bags to attendees with the message that everything was up for grabs.
The event provided a wide range of services, including a food pantry stocked with fresh produce, hygiene products, health screenings, and clothing. Volunteers were stationed at each service area to ensure that individuals could access what they needed quickly and easily.
Project Community Connect has now made the Missoula Public Library its permanent location for the event, further solidifying the library’s role as a central hub of support for the community. The event’s organizers encourage everyone in need to attend in the future, ensuring that no one is left without the resources they require.
For those interested in learning more about the event or seeking assistance, Project Community Connect maintains a website with additional information.
The event served as a reminder of the power of community collaboration, where neighbors, volunteers, and organizations come together to support each other and address basic needs, one resource at a time.
