NORFOLK, VA – Hampton Roads Transit hosted its second annual Community Resource (CORE) Fair today at the Newtown Road Station. The event served as a one-stop-shop to connect HRT customers and employees with more than a dozen community partners. At least a hundred people stopped by vendor booths located conveniently between the bus loop and Tide light rail station.
“We know and appreciate that our customers and employees lead busy lives. We’re proud to be able to provide all of these resources in one location at a time that is convenient to them.”
-William Harrell, President and CEO of Hampton Roads Transit.
Vendors participating in this year’s CORE Fair included YWCA of South Hampton Roads, Urban Renewal Center, CHAS Foundation, Norfolk Community Services Board, Norfolk Family Justice Center, Childcare Subsidy Unit, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Employment and Training (SNAPET), Eggleston, Bright View, Step-Up Inc., Eviction Prevention Center and Rent Ready Norfolk, Minority Aids Support Services and TRAFFIX.
Public Outreach Coordinator Yasmeen Baskins says the CORE Fair is a great way for HRT to give back to the community. “We were able to help one of our riders who is struggling with homelessness,” said Baskins. “She recently lost her job, and we connected her with resources to help get her back on her feet.”
A representative from Eggleston also realized the benefits of being able to interact with customers. “It was important for us to be here today,” said Paul Atkinson, Jr., Vice President of Business Operations at Eggleston. “We appreciate the opportunity to be able connect people with these valuable resources.”
The Norfolk Family Justice Center is the only family justice center in the Commonwealth and a representative said today’s fair was a great opportunity to let the community know about its wide array of services. “We serve everyone,” said Susan Flowers, Assistant Director, Norfolk Family Justice Center, “if you’re a victim of a crime, it doesn’t matter where you’re from.”
If you couldn’t make it out to today’s event, you’ll have another chance next week when HRT brings its CORE Fair to the Peninsula. It will be held on Tuesday, April 9, at the Hampton Transit Center, from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Community partners expected at that event include Newport News Department of Human Services, Council of Community Services, Norfolk Family Justice Center, Eggleston, and TRAFFIX. Organizers are working to add additional vendors. Look for updates at gohrt.com.