Project Homeless Connect is just what Chris Martin needs.

Martin and his fiancee Kim Shearer are among an estimated 1,000 people expected to attend Thursday's event assisting those in need at the Post Falls American Legion.

"We're starting from scratch," he said while warming up at Fresh Start in Coeur d'Alene on Saturday.

Martin and Shearer have been staying at the Ignite Hope warming shelter in Post Falls, but plan to move into an apartment soon.

Project Homeless Connect, in its fifth year, brings service providers and help for the homeless under one roof.

"I'll be out there in line before it opens," Martin said. "It's nice because the person you need to see may be just three tables down. It's a really big umbrella. There's a lot of resources that can tell you where to go."

Martin said if it wasn't for events such as the Connect and warming shelters more homeless people would die.

"I'd be up a creek without a paddle if it wasn't for them," he said. "I'd go downhill fast."

The Connect will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1138 E. Poleline Ave. The opening ceremony at 9:30 a.m. will feature remarks from Post Falls Mayor Clay Larkin, City Council member Kerri Thoreson and Legion Commander John Dunlap.

The event offers services such as medical care, haircuts, bike repairs and employment opportunities. There will also be a spaghetti lunch served by the Knights of Columbus. Food, diapers, clothing, toiletries and blankets will be given out.

The Connect, held at the Idaho National Guard armory in previous years, determines the estimated number of homeless in the area. The number is used by local nonprofits to apply for grants to assist the homeless.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development requires the point-in-time count be conducted during the last 10 days of January across the nation.

Roughly 25 percent of the local homeless population are veterans, Connect organizers say.

Food and clothing donations are needed and can be dropped off at St. Vincent de Paul, the Department of Labor in Post Falls and The Coeur d'Alene Resort. For volunteering opportunities, visit kootenaiunitedway.org.

Teresa Martinson, development director at Fresh Start, said there's a need to help the local homeless.

"We live in a caring and giving community," she said.

Transportation to and from the event will be provided at several locations, including the Kroc Center, Fresh Start and HELP Center.

For more information, call Brandia Young at 457-8789, ext. 3998, or Matt Hutchinson at 416-4777.