Jessica Mathews / news@whmi.com


A free one-day event that helps connect Livingston County residents in need with local resources and information is set next month.

The 17th annual Community Connect event will take place next Saturday, February 3rd from 10am to 1pm at 2|42 Community Church located at 7526 Grand River in Genoa Township.

The event is open to everyone. More than 60 public service and agency exhibitors will be available to provide residents with helpful basic need information, free personal care items, and services like health screenings and haircuts.

Some free giveaways include laundry detergent; winter gear such as coats, hats and gloves; blankets; personal care items; diapers; socks; food; and a boxed lunch to-go. Some free services offered include haircuts, health screenings, attorney services, flu shots, and the Big Red Barrel for safe medication disposal.

The annual event is sponsored by the Livingston County Homeless Continuum of Care, Livingston County United Way, the Brighton Masons, Livingston Sunrise Rotary, and Bank of Ann Arbor.

Health Promotion Coordinator Courtney Rynkiewicz with the Livingston County Health Department tells WHMI that last year they had over 700 guests and they’re anticipating even more this year – noting they’ve heard from a lot of their community partners that they’re seeing an increased need.

Rynkiewicz added that there’s no need for people to line up early and wait in the cold prior to the event as there will be plenty of everything to go around.

LETS Transportation will also be offering free rides to the event for anyone in need.

More information is available in the provided link.