The United Way of Marshall County and the Marshall County Community Foundation are working with the local faith community, nonprofits, businesses and volunteers to conduct a survey to collect data on homelessness and housing insecurities in Marshall County. The Point-in-Time (PIT) Count is a count of sheltered and unsheltered homeless people on a single day in January and will be held this year on Wednesday, January 22, across Marshall County.
Families and individuals who have relied on the County Trustee, churches or charities to help them stay housed month-to-month are asked to participate in the PIT Count survey. Persons facing eviction, who rely on couch surfing or feel they are forced to reside in an unsafe space are encouraged to make their voices heard. Multiple families staying in a single residence – not by choice – are also asked to participate.
Have you experienced homelessness? Do you know someone who has to fight month-to-month to keep their families in a safe, affordable home or apartment? Please help spread the word about this important event. Accurate data on how many families struggle with housing in Marshall County will empower our county and communities to respond in the best way possible to serve and help families and individuals experiencing homelessness.
Individuals may go to any of the PIT Count locations on Wednesday, January 22. Specially trained volunteers will be at each PIT Count location to help in the simple, quick process.
Locations in Marshall County include:
Argos Garden Court, 400 W Marshall Street, Argos. The PIT Count will be held in Community Room, from 12 – 5 p.m.
First United Church of Christ, 323 S Center St in Bremen. The PIT Count will be held during the church thrift shop hours, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Bourbon Garden Court, 200 W. Florence Street in Bourbon. The PIT Count will be held in Community Room, from 5 – 7 p.m.
Grace United Church of Christ, 307 N Plymouth St in Culver. The PIT Count will be held from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
LaPaz Fire Station, 411 S Michigan Street in LaPaz. Parking and enter at the rear of the building. PIT Count is from 5 – 7 p.m.
Bread of Life Food Pantry, 6770 N Michigan Road in Plymouth. The PIT Count will be held during food pantry hours, 1-3 p.m.
The Lobby of Mi Camino, by the Red Rock Inn, 2550 N Michigan St, Plymouth. The PIT Count will be held from 5 – 7 p.m.
Marshall County Neighborhood Center, 402 W Garro St, in Plymouth. The PIT Count from 3 – 7 p.m. The Food pantry hours are 5 – 7 p.m.
A hygiene kit will be given to PIT Count participants as a “thank you” for stepping forward to share their story and be counted. Efforts are underway now to collect the items to place into the hygiene kits.
You can help and drop off the following hygiene kit supplies:
- Hand towel
- Bar of soap
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Floss
- Comb
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Feminine hygiene products
- Deodorant
- Sunscreen with SPF
Please collect new, unopened travel sizes of the hygiene supplies and drop off enough supplies to make complete hygiene kits. Each kit will contain one of each hygiene item.You may drop off the hygiene kit supplies at the WTCA office at 112 W Washington Street in Plymouth; or at the Marshall County Philanthropy Center at 2680 Miller Drive, Suite 120, Plymouth. Please drop off the hygiene kit supplies no later than Monday, January 13.
If you are interested in volunteering to help with the Point-in-Time count or are concerned about housing and homeless issues in our community, you are welcome to contact the United Way or Foundation at 574-936-3366 to see how you may get involved in this important project.
