Homeless Count to Take Place in Forest, Langlade, Oneida & Vilas Counties

For Antigo Times

On the evening of January 27, 2016, into the morning hours of January 28, 2016, the Northern Wisconsin Initiative to Stop Homelessness (N*WISH) Continuum of Care will be joining homeless coalitions (or Continuums) around the state in completing a local count of individuals and families experiencing homelessness.  Staff and volunteers will count persons in shelters for the night as well as persons residing on the streets, under bridges, or similar places not meant for human habitation.

The collected data will assist the community in understanding the scope and size of local homelessness; engage in programs and service development, and to apply for state and federal funding.

The Northern Wisconsin Initiative to Stop Homelessness (N*WISH) Continuum of Care was established in November of 2009. This collaborative system exists to increase awareness and acts to promote and support the eradication of homelessness in Forest, Langlade, Oneida and Vilas Counties.  N*WISH is comprised of various state government & public housing agencies; non-profit & faith-based organizations as well as funding & advocacy groups.

The event will be at the Northern Advantage Job Center on January 28, 2016.  Members of the N*WISH CoC will have an outreach and education booth from 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm that will provide information about homelessness in our communities and resources available.  The general public is invited; please feel free to stop by to have cookies and coffee.

A Service Based Count will be completed starting on Thursday, January 28, 2016 until the end of the business day on Friday, January 29, 2016.  If you are homeless or know of someone who is homeless, sleeping on the street or in places not meant for human habitation please call 715-365-7842 or stop at the Northern Advantage Job Center to complete a survey and receive resource information.

For more information, please call Lori Hallas at 365-7842.