Noah Johnson Daily Press The first-ever Community Resource Fair put on by Menominee-Delta-Schoolcraft Community Action Agency at Bay College offered attendees a slew of resources and information.

ESCANABA – Over 20 local organizations converged at Bay College on Friday to showcase their community services.

Bay hosted the inaugural Community Resource Fair, organized by the Menominee-Delta-Schoolcraft Community Action Agency.

Community Action put on the event in conjunction with Homeless Awareness Month.

“We’re having a community resource fair, first ever and a wonderful turnout,” Community Action Homeless Street Outreach Worker Kim Strom said.

Each organization set up a table with informational packets, small items to address basic needs and other goodies. Each guest received a complimentary bag to collect items from each booth as well as information for the homeless hotline for Menominee, Delta, and Schoolcraft counties.

V Realty Property Management set up a booth with information regarding affordable housing – both long-term and short-term rentals are available.

“We have a passion for people, and we have collaborated over the years with MSHDA, Community Action, St. Vincent De Paul, and the local homeless shelters for the past seven years to help people having a hard time finding housing. It’s not just a business to us; it is like a mission and ministry as well,” says V Realty Property Management Owner Crystal Hayes.

Caitlin Sundblad, Talent Specialist for Michigan Works, said the organization does a lot more than people may realize.

Michigan Works services include basic job search resources, transportation funds to and from work and school, and more.

“We think it’s important that community just realizes all the ways that we can help,” Sundblad said.

Tri-County Safe Harbor attended the event with information regarding services for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking.

“We work with Community Action Agency, you know, a lot of times homelessness happens from domestic violence; we just want the community to know that we’re here to help,” Program Manager Melissa O’Neil said.

Dr. Francie Myrick of OSF attended and offered free samples of Narcan – a nasal spray that can treat a narcotic overdose in an emergency situation – as well as instructions on how to administer it. Myrick said she hopes the Narcan isn’t used, but it’s better to have it and not need it rather than need it and not have it.

She added that if an individual mistakes someone for having an overdose and administers Narcan, it won’t cause any damage as all it does is block the effects of opioids.

Strom said the first event was a resounding success and hopes to make it even bigger next year.

She added that she hoped events like this and further education could help curb the stigma surrounding homelessness and poverty.

“I believe that if we could break that (stigma) amongst our decision-makers, we would more easily be able to provide services for our clients. If people could get behind the fact that, you know, it’s a problem and they deserve help,” Strom said.

For more information, visit the Community Action Facebook page at Menominee-Delta-Schoolcraft Community Action Agency.