Local voices needed for Marshall County “Housing Matters”

United Way of Marshall County (UWMC) hosted “Housing Matters” meetings in February

As a first step in conducting a Marshall County Housing Gap Analysis. Government leaders, nonprofit partners, and community leaders and volunteers engaged in housing industries or initiatives attended two sessions that laid the groundwork for the study.

The focus for April is community surveys and gatherings. United Way is seeking wide input from voices across the county. The survey can be accessed at: https://bit.ly/HousingMattersSurvey or via the below QR Code. Paper surveys area available by contacting Makayla DePoy at mdepoy@marshallcountyuw.org.  To be included in the preliminary results, all paper surveys should be completed and returned to the United Way office at 2680 Miller Drive, Suite 120, in Plymouth by Friday, April 19.

Michael Fortunato from Creative Insight Community Development is facilitating “Housing Matters” activities designed to orient all information around quick action steps. The Housing Gap Analysis will consider the impacts of COVID-19 on housing stability, accessibility to existing resources, and identification of barriers preventing access to suitable housing options. This series of meetings is funded through a grant from the Indiana Department of Health to United Way of Marshall County.

“Having accurate data at the community level will help us better understand the specific housing needs across Marshall County,” said UWMC Executive Director Linda Yoder. Yoder notes that this data can then be used to guide discussions around upcoming housing initiatives and to provide the basis of need for funding such projects.

The schedule for informal gatherings to hear more about housing needs in each community is as follows:

Tuesday, April 9Log House Restaurant, Argos from 8-10 am. Culver Public Library, Culver 11:30 am. Wednesday, April 10Chamber of Commerce Meeting, Bremen, 8 am.Coffee Lodge and Bakery, Plymouth, 10 am-1 pm.Bread of Life Food Pantry, Plymouth, 1:30-3 pm. Marshall County Neighborhood Center, 5-6:45 pm. Thursday, April 11Matchett Center for REAL Services of Bourbon Lunch, Bourbon, 11:30 am-1 pm. Max’s Market, LaPaz, 2-4 pm.

*************************About the United Way of Marshall County***********************************
For 64 years, the United Way of Marshall County has conducted annual fundraising campaigns in support of a strong nonprofit network, working together in an integrated way to address the most basic needs of education, health, and financial stability. The United Way has been the conduit for helping thousands of individuals, regardless of income level, contribute to a united community cause. The United Way of Marshall County remains committed to igniting the caring power of the human spirit. Together we create a stronger future for Marshall County. www.marshallcountyuw.org. ###