Updated Apr 8, 2009 - 1:53 pm
Community exchange provides a new haircut and new opportunities
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KIRO Radio
More than 1000 people flocked to the Community Resource Exchange at Qwest Field Wednesday for a free haircut, access to health and dental care, and opportunities to sign up for temporary housing.
United Way's exchange is held annually to provide services to the thousands of homeless individuals and families in Seattle. More than 500 volunteers gathered to help people set up voice mail accounts and sign up for Supplemental Security Income, among other things.
"It's the types of things that people need and they certainly don't find it out on the streets when they're homeless," said United Way of King County CEO Jon Fine.
The current economy has increased issues of homelessness and unemployment. According to the United Way, nearly 3000 people are living on the streets of King County. That number doesn't include the additional 6000 people currently in shelters or transitional housing.
Many of the people at the exchange were experiencing homelessness for the first time. Stephan Anderson became homeless after he lost his truck and his job.
"Then I lost my place because I couldn't pay the rent and I wound up sliding into this little depression thing we got going," he said.
Previously Anderson was a heavy machine operator. He said he is planning on changing professions so he can get back into the job market. Like many, Anderson likened the current recession to the 1930s' Great Depression.
"It must have been horrible then because it's surely horrible now," he said.
Like Anderson, Nellie Coon is also new to homelessness. Although she is a certified medical assistant specialist, she's finding it difficult to find a job.
"It's hard," she said. "All this lifestyle is new, but I'm working through it."
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