KALAMAZOO (WKZO) -- About 800 people needing assistance of one kind or another turned up at the Expo Center yesterday to take advantage of Project Connect. Co-coordinator Pam Burpee says they were able to get a free meal, maybe some free clothing, get some advice, maybe some dental work.

It’s a very productive event, not only for those who get help, but for the service providers who say they get to mingle, compare notes, collaborate and share ideas and even come up with joint efforts.'

Burpee says one of the biggest challenges they face is finding sponsors to underwrite the event, which is held twice a year.  The next one will be held this fall.