With January well underway, it is now time for the Manitowoc County Point in Time Homeless Count.
Michael Etheridge from The Haven men’s homeless shelter in Manitowoc was on the WCUB Breakfast Club yesterday, where he spoke with us about the count, which he says occurs on the third Wednesday in July and January.
This means that volunteers are needed for tomorrow’s count.
“This is something that is done all across the United States, over hundreds and hundreds of continua,” he explained.
Etheridge also noted that it is important to “keep up with the data on homelessness in our communities.”
Etheridge explained that this is happening in numerous cities in our area.
“We are going to scour Manitowoc, Whitelaw, Two Rivers, Sheboygan Kewaunee, (and) Door County,” he revealed.
He also said it’s about more than just counting the number of people on the street.
“You don’t count…and check off a box,” he said. “We are trying to get them into a shelter that night. We are trying to get them into a hotel so they can get into a shelter program the very next day.”
Volunteers are needed for two shifts.
The first will run from 11:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. and the second runs from 4:00 to 6:00 a.m.
You can sign up to volunteer by visiting the United Way of Manitowoc County, located at 21 E Waldo Boulevard in Manitowoc, or by giving them a call at 920-682-8888.
For more information visit UnitedWayManitowocCounty.org.
