Y!MBY Connect Day on June 25

June 19, 2009

Project Y!MBY (Yes! In My Backyard) is an effort mobilizing neighborhoods to provide immediate housing and services for the homeless population of Hollywood and West Hollywood. On Thursday June 25 Project Y!MBY will be having its Fourth Annual Connect Cay. Like a social service “expo”, YIMBY Connect Day will gather over 60 local public and private service providers and over 300 volunteers for one day of intensive outreach and engagement services. People who are homeless will find everything from haircuts and foot care to medical examinations, counseling and housing services from across the greater Hollywood area. This is a day that not just serves those who need it, but also raises awareness of homelessness in Hollywood and gives us an opportunity to get to know our neighbors. Here are some things we have committed to doing this year:

1. We are providing a table and space for people attending to participate in the arts. This will include painting, karaoke, a drum circle, and anything else we can think of. If you have an idea for something else like this that would be fun let us know!
2. There are many miscellaneous things that need to be done, but mostly just being there as a person to help guide people to the services they need, valet their things if they need to, and be a friend. Last year the organziers were shocked at the amount of people who showed up for services and expect even more this year.
3. Some of you might have read in Ryan’s blog recently about Gett Love who serves breakfast down the street from us Monday–Friday. (we go every Wednesday at 8:45 if you want to come!) They are looking for help with the food service they will be providing that day.
4. Making new friends! These kinds of events bring out people who, like us, care about the community and those most marginalized in our society. It will be a great opportunity to connect and network with those who share our heart for this in our neighborhood.

Sign up with the volunteer form in the lobby. You can sign up for 2 hour blocks starting from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. We are encouraging you to take a day off work and join us for this. It’s worth it.