Three representatives from the City of Tigard, including senior human resources analyst Brandi Leos, took time out of their busy schedules to tell us a bit about Leadership Tigard. The workshop is presented through the Tigard Chamber of Commerce and a new class has just begun. One project that grew out of Leadership Tigard is Project Homeless Connect.
Kim Marshall, a past participant of Leadership Tigard, is also on Tigard’s homelessness task force and coordinates Project Homeless Connect for the tri-county region. She is also on the advisory committee for Leadership Tigard. A service project is one component of Tigard Leadership and Kim’s class decided to take on homelessness. The group raised money for the project now located at St. Anthony’s Church. The location was a perfect fit because St. Anthony’s already hosts other outreach services such as a food pantry. Project Homeless Connect’s Tigard kick-off event will take place on October 13. The event will bring together various medical and other professionals who can provide services from haircuts to dental care. Medical Teams International is just one group that will be involved in the event which is modeled after one Hillsboro has been doing twice a year. Volunteers and donations are still needed to make the Tigard event a success. A $100 donation will secure a monthly Tri-Met pass; $250 will purchase 5 pairs of prescription eyeglasses; $500 will provide 100 hygiene kits; a donation of $1000 will purchase a set of dentures for someone in need.
In addition to the kick-off event, Meal Connect happens on the second Wednesday of every month from 5 – 8 PM at the Shelter at Orenco Station in Hillsboro. This is an all-ages event that usually draws upwards of 300 people. The August 2017 event served 587 participants.
Sharon Gavin, City of Tigard Communications Manager served in the Navy for ten years and sang in the Navy Band. She also served with Americore at PSU. She enjoys her job at the City, especially because “real stuff happens when you work for small government because you have contact with people.”