More than 1,300 individuals of all ages and families experiencing homelessness are expected to attend this year’s Project Homeless Connect event, set for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, July 9 at Evergreen Middle School in Everett (7621 Beverly Lane).

This event wouldn’t be possible without volunteers, and volunteer registration is now open. Specifically, volunteers are needed to guide participants around the venue, help with registration, serve meals in the kitchen and provide general support before, during and after the event.

Please register to volunteer at www.uwsc.org/phcsnoco.php by July 3. Questions about volunteering should be directed toward Jessica Gaitan with United Way of Snohomish County at 425.374.5530 or Jessica.Gaitan@uwsc.org.

The annual one-day event assembles upwards of 70 agencies and resource groups to provide individuals and families experiencing homelessness with a number of free, direct services. These include access to state and federal benefits, veterans’ services, medical and dental appointments, pet care, mental health support, haircuts, a hot meal and housing information.

Toiletries are also especially needed this year, particularly body wash, washcloths, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoos, conditioners and razors.

Please drop off items by July 6 at YWCA’s Pathways for Women shelter in Lynnwood (6027 208th Street SW) or at YWCA’s office in Everett (3301 Broadway).

Questions about the toiletries drive should be directed toward Luanne Kunz, with YWCA at 425.258.2766 ext. 150 or lkunz@ywcaworks.org.

Project Homeless Connect builds on a national model to deliver immediate services and to improve long-term access to services. Begun in Everett in 2008, this event is collaboration among the Snohomish County Human Services Department, United Way of Snohomish County, Snohomish Health District, City of Everett, multiple nonprofits, volunteers and the Homeless Policy Task Force. This year’s event was sponsored by the Employees Community Fund of Boeing Puget Sound.

Project Homeless Connect is on Facebook www.facebook.com/phcsnoco, Twitter @phcsnoco and the web at www.uwsc.org/phcsnoco.php