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 assistance 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 22nd.
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.
In order to reach more people, organizers arranged for there to be additional PIT Count sites throughout Marshall County this year. The survey will be conducted in person at a few different locations in Argos, Bremen, Bourbon, Culver, LaPaz, and Plymouth.
Participants will receive hygiene kits as token of appreciation in order to thank them for their bravery in stepping forward to share their story and be counted.
The process is described a quick and simple and specially trained volunteers will be onsite in order to provide assistance if there are any questions.
Additional site volunteers are needed so if you have an interest, contact organization officials as soon as possible.
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 about housing insecurity and homelessness issues in the community, reach out to Marshall County United Way or Community Foundation by calling at 574-936-3366.
A list of all PIT Count survey sites and times can be found below:
ARGOS – Argos Garden Court, 400 W Marshall St, from 12 – 5 p.m.
BREMEN – First United Church of Christ, 323 S Center St, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
BOURBON – Bourbon Garden Court, 200 W. Florence St, from 5 – 7 p.m.
CULVER – Grace United Church of Christ, 307 N Plymouth St, from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
LAPAZ – LaPaz Fire Station, 411 S Michigan St, from 5 – 7 p.m.
PLYMOUTH – Bread of Life Food Pantry, 6770 N Michigan Rd, from 1-3 p.m.
PLYMOUTH – Marshall County Neighborhood Center, 402 W Garro St, from 3 – 7 p.m. Food Pantry hours, 5 – 7 p.m.
PLYMOUTH – Lobby of Mi Camino, by Red Rock Inn, 2550 N Michigan St, from 5 – 7 p.m.
