The annual Point in Time homeless count for the Battle Creek community will take place next week, from Wednesday, Jan. 31 through Thursday, Feb. 1.
Each year, Continuums of Care around the country are required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to conduct a census of who is homeless. The count must take place at the end of January.
In order to accurately capture this snapshot of homelessness in our community, outreach workers and volunteers will count, and speak with people, who are sleeping in shelters, as well as in places not meant for human habitation. Outreach will take place from the Calhoun County/Battle Creek Continuum of Care, The Share Center, The Salvation Army, Emmett Street Missionary Church, and FreeWay Church (Albion).
These agencies, the City of Battle Creek, and many others, serve on the Calhoun County/Greater Battle Creek Homeless Coalition, which is organizing the count. The Point in Time count is an opportunity for the community to learn more about homelessness locally, and learn about the array of services offered to address the issue.
Anyone interested in volunteering, or donating blankets, should contact Summit Pointe Housing at 269-966-1538.