Free event in Vancouver to focus on vaccinations for homeless people

Thrive 2 Survive, a community outreach arm of Recovery Cafe Clark County, will host an event June 13 to connect people without housing with relevant community resources and offer free COVID-19 vaccine.

The event will start at noon at the parking lot of River City Church, 2400 E. Fourth Plain Blvd., Vancouver.

People can visit the COVID-19 education and outreach pod, and free vaccine will be available on-site.

Those who attend can get a homemade pulled pork lunch, free clothing, and a pie and ice cream dessert donated and served by Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle. The mayor will serve the first 50 people in need with pie and ice cream if they present a COVID-19 vaccination card or receive a vaccination.

Morgan Gist, Recovery Cafe Clark County event planning and fundraising coordinator, said the event is one way to help boost local vaccination rates.

Thrive 2 Survive and Recovery Cafe Clark County have goals to fully vaccinate 200 people through facilitating appointments, arranging transportation and more.

“Our community can do its part to ensure the best possible chance of reopening sooner by getting vaccinated,” Gist said. “Personally, I just want to see folks stay healthy, and I want to see more maskless smiles again.”