FAQs

The date has been set for Tuesday, November 12th.

Project Homeless Connect is a “one day, one stop” event that connects individuals experiencing homelessness with on-site medical care and a variety of social services.

Project Homeless Connect will be held in Exhibit Hall C and D at the Greater Richmond Convention Center, located at 403 N. 3rd St. in downtown Richmond. The closest entrance is at the corner of N. 5th St. and Leigh St. Signs will direct you to Exhibit Hall C and D.

We are most in need of Navigators, who are responsible for guiding clients to areas where they can receive services. One of the hallmarks of Project Homeless Connect events is that each client is paired with an individual, so clients receive one-on-one attention. Being a Navigator is an amazing opportunity to get to know someone in need and make a difference in someone’s life.

There are other opportunities to serve as Greeters, Food Service volunteers, Discharge workers, and Data Entry volunteers, though these opportunities are limited. See the Volunteer Position Descriptions for detailed information.

To increase the personal relationship between volunteers and clients, we have made it possible for volunteers to make donations towards making Project Homeless Connect possible for each client that attends. Volunteers will be able to make donations that will go directly towards event costs like a providing the clients they are matched with a warm meal, needed resources to connect to employment opportunities and training, and needed documents like birth certificates.

Doors will open for services at 9:00 a.m. and close at 3:00 p.m. Volunteer shifts vary depending on the role and shift you signed-up for. Most volunteer shifts will end as clients leave the event, and as the day goes on, fewer volunteers will be needed. The table below describes the specific times volunteers are needed.

Please arrive at your scheduled time. Each volunteer position requires a training before the day begins. It is important to attend the training, familiarize yourself with the services offered, and be ready to fulfill your volunteer role.

If you must leave early, make sure the person leading your area knows that you plan to leave early. If you are a Navigator who needs to leave early, you need to go to the intake area to match with guest with another volunteer. The number of people seeking services goes down throughout the day – many volunteers will be able to leave earlier than 3:00 p.m.

Because of the one-on-one nature of the event, it is important for you to have an understanding of your role and the services offered so that you can help clients as much as possible.Training for Navigators and Housing Search are done through webinars in advance. Trainings for all other roles are done on-site at the evet. 

On the day of the event, all volunteers must be 18 years or older. However, volunteers of all ages are needed to help sort donations the evening before the event from 3:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m on Monday November 11th. 

Bring ONLY what you need. Do not bring valuables. No secure storage is available for volunteers’ belongings. If it is a cold day, we will provide limited storage for heavy coats, but can accept no responsibility for items.

Wear comfortable, casual clothing; sneakers or other comfortable shoes are recommended. Volunteer event t-shirts will be provided for all volunteers.

Parking is available in the Greater Richmond Convention Center parking lot at Marshall St. and 3rd St. for $7. There is limited availability in other lots in the area for $4, and street parking may also be available. All volunteers must be responsible for their own parking costs; carpooling is strongly suggested.

Additional Questions contact Sam Page at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Yes, there will be enough food for both clients and volunteers to eat a hot meal. Coffee will be available in the morning, and snacks and water will be available throughout the day.