As part of the first annual Project DASH, Falls Township Police have collected 5,416 items sought by Bucks County organizations which support individuals experiencing homelessness.
The community donated various items, including non-perishable food items, toiletries, warm weather clothes, blankets and more as part of the Project DASH (Direct Appeal to Support Homelessness in Bucks County) collection drive. The collection ran from Oct. 1 through Nov. 1.
During Monday’s Falls Township Supervisors meeting, representatives from various Bucks County agencies joined Lt. Christopher Clark and Chief Nelson Whitney in commemorating a successful first effort.
The police department’s Human Services Co-responder, Cara Gadzinski, said items collected will be distributed to Family Service Association, Valley Youth House, Bucks County Opportunity Council, and PATH.
“It really helps our people who are unsheltered in the community,” Gadzinski said.
Venus Johnson, Reach Out Foundations of Bucks County executive director, said she was homeless at 16 and understands the need for support.
“No one was out there to catch me,” Johnson said, adding that she strives to give home to those without homes by referring to individuals as being “unhoused” as opposed to “homeless.”
Supervisor Chairperson Erin Mullen applauded the collection efforts and said while attending a Bucks County Commissioners meeting, she heard that 500 families were on a wait list for shelter.
“We all need to pitch in on that,” Mullen said, referring to helping the unhoused be placed.
