A job and resources fair taking place Wednesday in Santa Rosa aims to help people in Sonoma County who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of becoming homeless.
The March 22 fair will include 47 local employers and service providers that offer support in housing, resume writing, and other areas, according to the county.
The fair will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Santa Rosa Veterans Memorial Building at 1351 Maple Ave.
“Our goal is to help people who are currently homeless or at risk of becoming homeless get on a path toward stable, dignified housing,” said county Supervisor Chris Coursey.
“A good job is a crucial step on that path. This event will connect participants with local employers and resources to develop the skills they need to get hired, along with critical support services that can help stabilize their lives,” Coursey said.
The event is a collaboration between Sonoma County Job Link, which is a part of the county’s Human Services Department, and over a dozen community organizations.
“The unhoused don’t just need employment,” said Antonio Vigil, a Job Link representative. “They need help with Social Security, food, medical and mental health support — what we call wraparound services. That’s why this event isn’t just a job fair, it’s also a resource fair.”
Services targeted to meet the needs of veterans will be offered by the Santa Rosa-based nonprofit organization Nation’s Finest.
Free lunch will be provided and over 150 gift certificates for $25 will be distributed from the Rotary Club of Sonoma Sunrise.
Last year’s point-in-time count recorded 2,893 people in Sonoma County experiencing homelessness, an increase of 5 percent from 2020’s count of 2,745.