Homeless survey now under way

Social service agencies throughout Northwest Montana are conducting the annual Montana Homeless Survey today, and people who consider themselves homeless may fill out surveys at a number of drop-in locations.

Families and individuals who may not already be connected with social service agencies are encouraged to complete an application at drop-in sites: Northwest Montana Human Resources at 214 Main St. in Kalispell, and Samaritan House at 124 Ninth Ave. W. in Kalispell.

Surveys will be available today from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

People who consider themselves homeless may call Help Net at 752-8181 from 8 a.m. through 5 p.m. today. People outside Flathead County may call toll free 1-800-332-8425.

In Lake, Lincoln and Sanders counties, surveys will be conducted through domestic violence shelters, food banks and mental health centers this week.

In addition to the agency surveys, people will go to the Community Kitchen, motels and other areas where homeless people may be staying to locate as many homeless individuals and families as possible in Northwest Montana.

For more information, call the United Way at 752-7266 in the greater Kalispell area or toll-free at 1-888-720-7266 outside the local calling area.

Agencies participating in the survey include Flathead Job Service, Northwest Montana Human Resources, Flathead Valley Chemical Dependency Clinic, Samaritan House, Ray of Hope, Flathead Food Bank, Violence Free Crisis Line-Abbie Shelter, Lamplighter House, Northwest Montana Veterans Food Bank, Neighbors in Need, Department of Public Assistance, Flathead Attention Home, Special Friends Advocacy Program and Help Net-First Call for Help.