POST FALLS - Jennifer Johnson never imagined she'd have to tap Project Homeless Connect for a hand up.

But there the Post Falls woman was - with her young daughter - sifting through clothes and other necessities on Thursday at the American Legion to help the two get through winter.

"I'd rather not be here, but I really don't have much of a choice," she said quietly. "I'm just thankful there's a place to come to get help. There's a big need."

Johnson, a single mom, has been looking for work for four months and has been living at a combination of friends' homes and shelters in the area.

"This will get us over the hump - hopefully," she said.

The fifth annual event, operated by an army of more than 150 volunteers from several nonprofits, served nearly 400 people in need with food, hygiene products, a meal, clothing, medical services, pet care and haircuts.

"I'll do anything I can to help out," said Jerry Mann of the Combat Vet Riders, who served as a volunteer. "There's so many people who need it. This is heartwarming, and I'm pleased we're able to do this. It touches my heart to give people something they need."

Brandia Young of the Idaho Department of Labor and a main organizer of the event, said serving at the Connect is rewarding.

"When you see the look on people's faces - that they're receiving their basic needs - it's worth it," Young said. "Everybody falls on their face. If you haven't yet, you will."

She said the number served was down from previous years - likely due to the fact that the American Legion was the only free venue available and the site is not a drop spot for the Citylink bus service.

"Some people still went to the armory (the former site) and others had to find their way to get here," Young said.

Service organizations say homelessness is still prevalent in North Idaho.

Jeff Conroy, executive director of St. Vincent de Paul, said demand for the nonprofit's services is up more than 120 percent since 2008. He said it takes all agencies to be involved to fight homelessness.

"I truly believe in the collaborative effort," he said. "We are all connected."

Post Falls Police Chief Scot Haug said the homeless includes children living in vehicles.

"We got a call just (Wednesday) night of a lady with children going door to door looking for donations," he said.

Volunteer Bob Sarlo was a part of a veterans' outreach project in Utah more than 20 years ago and believes helping the homeless here needs to be taken to the next level.

"There needs to be more housing available," he said. "Housing would bring more dignity and respect to their lives."

As Alice Williams loaded food and clothing donations from a shopping cart into her vehicle during Thursday's event, she expressed gratitude for what she received.

"This will really help," she said with a smile.