Battle Creek’s Project Connect fair offers a hot meal, health checks and VA help Oct. 16

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — People who are homeless, behind on rent or struggling to get by can find a hot meal, a health screening and help from a long list of agencies in one building on Friday, Oct. 16, at the Full Blast Recreation Center.

The 2026 Project Connect Health & Information Fair runs from 9 a.m. to noon at 35 W. Hamblin Ave. Admission is free, and the city expects a crowd of more than 300, according to an announcement from the City of Battle Creek.

The city is putting on the fair with the Calhoun County Continuum of Care, a network of local groups that works on homelessness. Now in its 21st year, the event draws nonprofits, government agencies and local churches.

Hot meals will be served from 9 a.m. to noon, and visitors can pick up food bags and giveaways such as blankets, gloves and hats. Tables will cover housing, utilities, schooling and jobs, along with legal aid, dental care, senior services, transportation, health coverage sign-ups, and behavioral health and addiction treatment. Help for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking will be offered, as will spiritual counseling.

The fair doubles as a VA Stand Down, which links veterans with federal benefits and local partners. The city lists health care for homeless veterans, veterans’ justice programs, the Buddy to Buddy peer program, transitional housing and vocational rehabilitation among the services.

Veterans need a government-issued photo ID to take part in the Stand Down, and the city suggests also bringing a DD214 discharge form or a VA or military ID. Anyone who needs a copy of a DD214 can call the Calhoun County VA office at 269-969-6735. A color guard ceremony honoring veterans is planned for 10 a.m.

Mayor Mark Behnke was scheduled to issue a proclamation at the Oct. 6 City Commission meeting recognizing Oct. 16 as a day of community support and assistance. Questions about the fair go to the SHARE Center at 269-964-8133.

Sources:
City of Battle Creek, “Battle Creek to host Project Connect Health & Information Fair, VA Stand Down Oct. 16,” Oct. 6, 2026, https://battlecreekmi.gov/AlertCenter.aspx?AID=1044
City of Battle Creek, City Commission regular meeting, Oct. 6, 2026, https://www.battlecreekmi.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=4560
Image: AI-generated illustration by The Mitten Daily.

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