Salem-Keizer Transit (Cherriots) in Salem, OR, provided free rides to Polk Community Connect, a recent resource fair in Independence, OR, for area residents who are in need, homeless, or at risk of homelessness. The Chemeketa Area Regional Transportation System (CARTS), providing service to rural Polk and Marion counties, helped with service to the event, which drew almost 400 participants.

Resources and services provided at the all-day event included health screenings for 71 people, dental care for 43 individuals, and haircuts for 80 people, as well as meals served throughout the day. Guests received resource information from 26 service providers and took advantage of pet care, bicycle repair, clothing distribution, child and youth services, education, employment, housing, veterans benefits, and mental health support.

The Polk County Commission for Children and Families Board provided funding for the fair.

Cherriots and CARTS transported Polk County residents to the recent Polk Community Connect resource fair.