(file photo)
Wright County will be participating today (Wednesday) in the annual “Point In Time” Count – a process of trying to quantify the homeless population of a given area.
Homelessness isn’t simply defined as those living outside. It also includes those who are staying with family and friends, those who are “couch-hopping” without a permanent place to live, those sleeping in their vehicles, fish houses and campers, and those sleeping in a hotel or motel.
Recently on KRWC Radio’s “Spotlight,” Wright County Commissioner Kirby Moynagh said the effort is to more accurately identify the need for homeless services in our area…
“It’s just wanting to get a more accurate count so that we know what the population is that we need to serve. It’s always good to make sure that you’re representing to the best of your ability, and I think this is a kind of a missing area that we can do better in helping. By having a more accurate count, we can do that.”
There are resources available for homeless residents of Wright County, including the Wright County Government Center (3650 Braddock Ave. NE, 2nd Floor, Buffalo – phone: (763) 682-7400), Wright County Community Action (130 Division St. W, Maple Lake – phone: (320) 960-6500) and The Salvation Army (2051 50th St. NE, Door 2, Buffalo – phone (763) 682-2205). There is also a toll-free number homeless individuals can call to get assistance – (866) 560-7464.
Backpacks and personal care items are available at the Wright County Government Center and Wright County Community Action. The Salvation Army provides a free oil change or a $50 gas card upon unduplicated interview completion.
(content: in part, courtesy Wright County)
