It’s a big night for the Giants, with Barry Bonds celebrating his 43rd birthday and keeping fans on the edge of their seats as he closes in on the all-time home run record. But it may be an even bigger night for San Francisco’s Project Homeless Connect, which will receive half of the proceeds from ticket sales to tonight’s sold-out game.

Project Homeless Connect is a collaborative community effort that provides services to help San Francisco’s homeless move off of the streets and into housing.

Every other month more than 1000 community volunteers partner with city government, non-profits and the private sector to provide a one-stop shop of health and human services, from medical and mental health, care to legal assistance, food, clothing, eyeglasses and wheelchair repair.

"Project Homeless Connect Night is a time to acknowledge the program's accomplishments and recognize the clients who have successfully overcome homelessness," Mayor Gavin Newsom said in a statement.

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Newsom will be at home plate for the opening ceremony tonight, along with Bank of America senior vice president Tim Geraghty and former Project Homeless Connect client Howard Cobbins. The three will throw the first pitch of the night.

Project Homeless Connect was founded in 2004 to offer the city's homeless shelter, employment opportunities, food and clothing.

The model has been adopted in 106 cities across the United States as well as Canada, Puerto Rico and Australia.

lbarrett@examiner.com