Agencies conduct annual homeless survey today
The Daily Inter Lake
Social service agencies throughout Northwest Montana are conducting the annual Montana Housing Status Inventory Survey (previously called the Montana Homeless Survey) today.
People who consider themselves homeless may fill out surveys at a number of drop-in locations.
The survey provides information about the homeless in Northwest Montana and is linked to future funding opportunities for programs and services for those in need.
Families and individuals who may not already be connected with participating social service agencies are encouraged to complete an application at drop-in sites: Flathead Job Service, 427 First Ave. E. in Kalispell; Community Action Partnership (formerly Northwest Montana Human Resources' at 214 Main St. in Kalispell; and Samaritan House at 124 Ninth Ave. W. in Kalispell.
Surveys will be available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. today.
Individuals who consider themselves homeless may call Help Net at 752-8181.
People outside Flathead County who wish to complete a survey over the telephone may call toll free, 1-800-332-8425.
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 process 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 Youth Home, Special Friends Advocacy Program and Help Net-First Call for Help.
In Lake, Lincoln and Sanders counties, surveys will be conducted through domestic violence shelters, food banks and mental health centers the week of Jan. 26-30.
In addition to the agency surveys, a number of individuals will be going 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.