Faith-based nonprofit Open House Ministries’ annual block party Thursday offered the festive energy of a celebration while also connecting residents to vital resources.

People attending the event along West 12th and Ingalls streets in downtown Vancouver found cotton candy, barbecue, games — and maybe even hope.

Organizers and vendors say the event helps connect people to services they often don’t realize they need.

“They come for one thing and then they might end up leaving with several other resources to use. This is a great spot for people to find more than what they were looking for,” said Renee Stevens, executive director of Open House Ministries.

Connections

The event brings together a wide range of services under one roof, including employment assistance, help navigating veteran

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