Hundreds of homeless people turned out to an event Sunday aimed at helping them prepare for Edmonton's winter.

"I had a haircut and some food," said Abe Abra who has been coming to the event at the Shaw Conference Centre for the past 5 years.

Abe Abra stopped by for a haircut and some winter clothing. (CBC) He also got a flu shot, ID and warm winter clothing he couldn't otherwise afford.

"Doing all these things help you in the winter," he said. "So that's like the main goal, you know?"

Others obtained dental work, laundry, manicures, even massages, all offered by hundreds of volunteers.

Organizers say the goal is to give those who live much of their lives on the street, a day for themselves, where they can relax and find out what services are available to them.

Homeless Connect has been working to connect homeless people to services for 15 years. Twice a year volunteers come together to help.

"It definitely makes a difference," said Alex Abboud. "It will connect people with housing information in some cases, but really it gives them a boost, getting a hot meal they wouldn't get otherwise, health services and warm clothing."

After fours years of living on the street, Abra now has a place to live after visiting one of the housing kiosks last year.

He hopes getting an ID will allow him to apply for a driver's license, an important step in finding a job.

"It changes life you know, the offices you get to know them and they know you," Abra said.

Volunteers at Homeless Connect were kept busy Sunday cutting hair at the Shaw Conference Centre. (CBC)