Before the Niles District Library opened their doors last Thursday morning, a line of people had already formed. The eager crowd was not there to peruse the latest popular book, rather they were hoping to get information from more than 30 agencies available during the annual Project Connect.

After completing an intake survey to determine their need, participants were directed to the agencies that could best serve them. There were 38 participating organizations that attended to provide information. Among them were the Niles Salvation Army, Meals on Wheels and Volunteers of America, to name just a few.

Participants also got a free lunch, groceries from Feeding America and a take-home bag filled with hygiene supplies and other household necessities.

The project was organized by Sarah Skinner, the Niles District Library’s Adult Services Coordinator, who said she was happy to see the large turnout.

“We have gotten a real positive response from everybody that participated,” Skinner said. “It is really amazing because all these agencies are here to help people. But they can’t help people if they don’t show up.”

The idea behind Project Connect was to create a one-stop-shop, where people could connect with local aid from all over the county.

“Everybody here does not have to worry about how they are going to get to Benton Harbor or St. Joseph,” Skinner said. “Because everybody is here at the same time and they can get the information all in the same place.”

For many, it also allowed them to see just how many resources there are to help.

Niles’ Dorothea Brown was among the crowd Thursday. Brown easily rattled off a list of informative agencies she had connected with that day. She said she attended Project Connect because she thought it would be informative.

“I came to see what information I could get to me as well as others,” Brown said. “I think I got a little something from every table.”

Ben Slocum, the Niles Salvation Army social services coordinator, sat at a booth near the room’s entrance. Slocum said he had handed out almost all of his printed pamphlets. Slocum said throughout the day he connected with people who needed the organization’s services, as well as those eager to lend a hand and volunteer.

“It’s been a really good networking opportunity,” Slocum said. “The beautiful part about things like this is the connections. It has been amazing.”

Besides knowing how many more residents would be helped thanks to Project Connect, Skinner said it was heartwarming to see the community step up to help out. Thanks to the efforts of local businesses, more than 500 different necessity items such as soap, shampoo, hats and gloves were donated for residents to take home.

“The community really came through,” Skinner said.

While seeing the response was great, Skinner also pointed out that the crowd attests to the community’s need. She said the food truck had been one of the most popular destinations among residents, indicating a need for more food security. Though, she said food is not the only issue.

“There are a lot of issues around here that really need to be addressed and I think [Project Connect] is going to help,” Skinner said.