Marshall County conducts annual point in time count to collect data on homelessness

PLYMOUTH, Ind. — Volunteers in Plymouth took part in the annual point in time count. It's a survey the Department of Housing and Urban Development requires be done once a year, a single night in January.

The survey is done nationwide on the same day in January. Volunteers interview as many people as possible that are either homeless or housing insecure and being threatened with homelessness. They fall into different categories. There are two different surveys.

The continuum of care survey goes to the state of Indiana. The state summarizes the information then develops an estimate of the amount of homeless people within the state. The Marshall County survey helps to get an idea about people who aren't just homeless, but those that are threatened with homelessness in the future. All of this gives people a sense of the housing that is needed.

Brent Martin, has volunteered with United Way for five years, going door to door to collect data. He says his interest in the count dates back to the 90s when he started his full-time job as an architect.

"I do volunteer work like this because it makes me a better designer. It gives me a feel for the human condition and that makes me create better places for folks to live.”

Martin shared with ABC57 that he designs low-income housing and hearing from people experiencing homelessness firsthand helps him better serve them.

He also pointed out the stigma and belief that many people experiencing homelessness are struggling with mental health issues, addiction or tucked away in homeless encampments. Martin says in his five years of conducting the survey, finding people at encampments has been a rare occurrence. He says these people are closer than you think, they're you're neighbors.

“In rural counties like Marshall County, you don’t see homeless encampments, but people are doubling or tripling up in a house. People are couch surfing from house to house," Martin explained. "I interviewed a lady who is living in her car one year. That’s the kind of homelessness that I’ve seen when I’ve done point in time as opposed to encampments."

He says he's seen lots of people take part in the count throughout the years, but he's never seen a state legislator.

"I wish every elected official would come and work the point in time count at least once, and then they wouldn't be down there in Indianapolis trying to criminalize homelessness."

In Marshall County, volunteers with United Way are spending long hours knocking on doors, gathering data and listening to stories — all in an effort to better understand housing insecurity and help keep people housed.

One of their stops Wednesday night was the Economy Inn along U.S. 30 in Plymouth. With weekly rates around $250, the motel has become a temporary refuge for people who have nowhere else to go.

“There’s a gentleman here that came from one of the prisons,” said Sister Connie Bach, a Handmaid of Jesus Christ who regularly volunteers at the motel. “We helped him get his Social Security, and he comes out and volunteers with us. In fact, he’s helping me with the Point-in-Time count tonight.”

Bach is a familiar face at the motel — often visiting even when she isn’t collecting surveys. She says building trust is just as important as the data.

“We either act out of love or fear,” Bach said. “Once we get to know the people here, it’s wonderful. We have picnics out here. It’s a really wonderful community.”

During the count, volunteers collect information using both state and county surveys. Brent Martin, a United Way volunteer, said the forms help identify not only homelessness but also those on the brink of losing housing.

“One is a state form that’s much more focused just on homelessness,” Martin said. “We also have a county form that’s more general about housing insecurity. Even if you have a roof over your head tonight, if you’re living paycheck to paycheck, you might not have one in two weeks.”

Data from previous Point-in-Time counts has already helped Marshall County assess its housing needs. According to Martin, last year’s count identified just over 100 people who were homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

A broader county housing study found Marshall County is short about 1,300 dwelling units.

“It feels good to be doing work like this,” he said. “It saves people’s lives. I know it does.”

Along with surveys, Bach distributes personal hygiene items — a small gesture that has become part of the annual routine and something many residents now expect.

“Lots and lots of success stories,” Bach said. “We’re really grateful for all the people in Plymouth we’re able to work with.”