Hundreds Turn to Project Connect for Resources at Pinnacle Bank Arena
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Hundreds of people were expected to come through Pinnacle Bank Arena on Wednesday for Project Connect Lincoln, an event bringing services and resources together for people experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless.
A total of 446 people pre-registered for this year’s event, with walk-ins also expected throughout the day.
Organizers said the event comes as Lincoln is seeing an increase in people experiencing homelessness. Project Connect Volunteer Coordinator Chris Allende said more than 650 guests attended last year’s event.
Allende also pointed to the 2026 Point-in-Time Count, which he said showed a 10% increase from 2025.
“If that’s any determinant of the way that the numbers are going to go, we’re thinking that there’s going to be a lot more guests,” Allende said.
More than 100 providers participated in Project Connect, offering services ranging from housing assistance and medical and dental care to haircuts, veterinary services and employment resources.
Allende said the event’s employment lab alone doubled in size from last year.
Organizers said some of the biggest needs they are seeing are also some of the most basic.
“Obviously, things like hygiene kits and socks are huge. But quite frankly, things are just really expensive nowadays,” Allende said. “In our world, we have very limited housing opportunities, specifically affordable housing.”
Bringing those services together takes months of preparation, with much of the work ramping up over the past four months.
More than 300 volunteer navigators helped guests find the services they needed. Allende estimated more than 500 volunteers overall were helping make the event possible.
He said that work is often met with gratitude from guests, with many stopping organizers to thank them for continuing Project Connect.
“The way we are able as a community to lock hands together and support folks that are struggling, I think is a very beautiful thing and very unique to Lincoln,” Allende said.
Organizers said events like Project Connect show what can happen when the community comes together to support those who are struggling.
