More than 1,000 people sought assistance on Wednesday at an annual one-day homeless resource fair at Golden Hall in downtown San Diego, where salon workers washed and styled, dental specialists provided checkups and cleanings, and podiatrists offered foot massages. There were also counselors, legal advisers and people serving up warm bowls of soup.
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Volunteers with smiles greeted Renee Carlock, 39, as she walked through the doors, pushing her 7-month-old baby in a stroller. Everywhere the San Diego native turned, people were offering to give her things — something she wasn't used to.
"I'm very grateful for people who open up programs to help you," Carlock said, as she walked around the hall collecting daily essentials, snacks and sweatshirts.
The single mother of four, whose family has been in and out of shelters, came to the event hoping to get help in finding a place to live.
"We've been homeless off and on for three years," Carlock said with tears running down her face. "Even if I get help with transitional housing so my kids can feel secure."
Carlock was also looking for employment.
"I just need someone to give me a chance," Carlock said. "I’ll be grateful for customer service. It doesn’t matter. Just a start anywhere would help."
Most of those who walked from booth to booth filling their large red bags with handouts, were living on the streets or in shelters. They’re part of a growing population of people in the county, who for a variety of reasons including skyrocketing housing costs, have found themselves in desperate need.
Carlock said the large crowd gave her comfort in knowing she's not alone, and she found renewed hope after recognizing some of the event volunteers in purple shirts who had previously stayed in a shelter with her.
"This lets me know there is a way out if you use your resources," Carlock said. "I pray to God I'll be wearing that shirt next year."
The day-long event organized by the San Diego Housing Commission included nearly 100 service providers and 350 volunteers. It was the first of two major events this week involving the homeless. On Friday, volunteers will fan out across the county for the annual homeless count.
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Volunteers are also needed for the count.
Information is available on the website of the Regional Task Force on the Homeless.
