On Thursday, October 19, Greater Ottawa County United Way hosted the second annual Ottawa Connect event at the Holland Rescue Mission’s Gateway Center in Holland. During the event, 39 local nonprofit organizations offered information and services for local residents who are experiencing or at-risk of homelessness. There was also an opportunity before the event for Ottawa County service providers to connect and share information.
Throughout the afternoon and evening, more than 350 people stopped by the event to receive free dinner as well as: housing assessments, health care enrollment, dental and medical services, employment and education services, hair cuts, family photos, recipe demonstrations and more. One of the attendees shared, “Thank you so much for all your help. I really need it.”
United Way’s Community Impact Coordinator Angel Mendiola said, “It was wonderful to see so many great nonprofit organizations in one place at one time, interacting and helping our community neighbors. This event was possible because of the hard work and successful planning of the Ottawa Connect committee and volunteers.”
Thank you to our presenting sponsor Huntington Bank and to our generous food providers Hops at 84 East and Peppino's Pizza of Holland.