New Bedford Connect at the YMCA Offers Free Help Wednesday

A one-day event in downtown New Bedford is bringing help directly to people who need it most. New Bedford Connect runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on October 21 at the New Bedford YMCA. Carl Alves of PAACA and Whitney Tully of Walt’s Mobile Closet stopped by Fun 107 for the Southcoast Health Community Spotlight to explain how you can take part.

What Is New Bedford Connect?

Alves said it is a community collaboration that brings together over 45 agencies and organizations to support people dealing with housing difficulty, including those who are unhoused or precariously housed. The goal is to create a safe space where people can see what is available to them without judgment.

How Did New Bedford Connect Start?

It grew out of a bitter cold night Fun 107’s Gazelle spent outside about 11 years ago, sleeping in a cardboard box. It was an October night that dropped into the low 30s, and there was frost on the grass in the morning. "It was one of the top three most eye-opening experiences of my life," Gazelle said. Reverend David Lima was an instigator of that effort, and New Bedford Connect came out of it.

What Help Will Be Available?

There will be health screenings, haircuts, and breakfast and lunch. Walt’s Mobile Closet is a nonprofit that provides free clothing, and Tully said requests have gone up. Right now people are asking for winter coats, socks and jeans as they get ready to stay warm.

How Can You Donate or Help?

The event is for people who want to help, too. Walt’s Mobile Closet will have a truck on site Wednesday to accept donations. You can also visit waltsmobilecloset.org for a list of what they need and where the drop spots are. Rise Up for Homes, one of the collaboratives behind the event, has details at riseupforhomes.com.

Who Makes This Event Possible?

First Citizens Federal Credit Union and other organizations help underwrite the project, and the YMCA has been the event’s home for 10 years. As Alves put it, "this is about community supporting community." Of course, a major thank you to Southcoast Health for helping us get word out about this event.