Marshall County’s Homeless Population to be Assessed with Point-in-Time Count

Posted on Author Jacque Ryan

In order to collect data on homelessness and housing insecurities in the area, the United Way of Marshall County and the Marshall County Community Foundation will conduct a survey later this month.

With the help of the non profit organizations, the local faith community, and other helpful volunteers, a Point-in-Time (PIT) Count will be held on Wednesday January 23rd.

The purpose of a PIT Count is to tally up the number of sheltered and unsheltered homeless people on a singe day in January.

United Way and the Community Foundation issued a press release about the effort, noting that any families or individuals who have relied on the County trustee, churches or charities to help them stay housed month-to-month are asked to participate.

Additionally, people who are facing eviction, those who rely on couch surfing or individuals who feel they’re forced to reside in an unsafe space are encouraged to make their voices heard. 

The survey will be conducted in person at a few different locations in Argos, Bremen, Culver and Plymouth. Though it is described a quick and simple process, specially trained volunteers will be onsite in order to provide assistance if there are any questions.

Participants will receive a bag of toiletries as token of appreciation in order to thank them for their bravery in stepping forward to share their story and be counted.

Officials behind the initiative report that having accurate data on how many people struggle with housing will empower the community to respond in the best possible way when it comes to serving and helping families and individuals who experience homelessness.

If you are interested in volunteering to help with the PIT Count or if you have concerns abut the housing insecurity and homelessness issues in the community and you want to know how you can get more involved, contact Marshall County United Way at 574-935-5159.

A list of PIT Count survey sites and times appears below:

Argos Garden Court, 400 W Marshall Street, Argos; PIT Count will be held in Community Room, from 12 – 5 p.m. 

Bread of Life Food Pantry, 6770 N Michigan Road, Plymouth.; PIT Count will be held during food pantry hours, 1-3 p.m.

First United Church of Christ, 323 S Center St, Bremen; PIT Count will be held during church thrift shop hours, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Grace United Church of Christ, 307 N Plymouth St, Culver; PIT Count held from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Lobby of Mi Camino, by Red Rock Inn, 2550 N Michigan St, Plymouth; PIT Count will be held from 5 – 7 p.m.

Marshall County Neighborhood Center, 402 W Garro St, Plymouth.PIT Count from 3 – 7 p.m. Additionally, Food pantry hours for this site run from 5 – 7 p.m.

Saint Thomas Episcopal Church, 400 N Center St, Plymouth; PIT Count wil be held during non-food pantry hours, 5:30-7 p.m.