Last week's Project Connect Avondale event got off to a very rainy start - but that didn't dampen the mood!

Staff from Keys to Change started setting up for the all-day event at 6:00 AM. The rain began at 6:15 AM - and didn't quit for hours.

Service providers and volunteers braved the downpour to set up their stations.

Guests began to show up, seeking cover from the rain wherever they could.

Any concerns of a low turnout due to the weather, however, were quickly dissolved - by day's end, 158 people and families at-risk of or experiencing homelessness attended Project Connect Avondale 2026.

And while it drizzled lightly on and off throughout the day, the cooler temps made the soggy morning worth it, with plenty of glimpses of sunshine along the way.

Among the services delivered that day, partners came together to provide 38 haircuts, clothing for 150 people, countless connections to deeper services, and over 500 hot meals.

Among the success stories from the day, a few stick out:

• A family living in their car received move-in funding with help from Community Bridges (CBI) Hand in Hand.
• An individual chose recovery on the spot, connecting with Valley Hospital Detox with help from Chicanos por la Causa and transportation from CBI.
• A grandmother with 3 grandkids found support for her entire family through Resilient Health.
• An individual in the middle of a housing crisis connected with CASS to secure a shelter bed, only to find out that through CBI, she could connect with section 8 housing assistance to keep her current apartment and avoid experiencing homelessness.
• A family with young children was newly enrolled with Surprise Bridge Housing through Native American Connections.

Huge thanks to our wonderful hosts at Avondale Baptist Church and the City of Avondale. Shoutout to the many service providers and volunteers who made the event possible!!

Project Connect Avondale was a bright silver lining in a gloomy sky - and a glimpse at brighter days ahead for our friends and neighbors in need.