EASTON, Md.- A local organization will participate in a national survey that is designed to help people who are homeless. The Mid-Shore Roundtable on Homelessness is focused on helping those in need in Maryland's five mid-shore counties.
The Point-In-Time survey on homelessness is different than your average survey. It will focus on what kind of specific needs each homeless person may have, whether that be a need for shelter, mental health support or even employment services.
"There may be other things that they need to work on as well, so in the survey we also ask other questions about what would you like help with, such as, 'Can you give us a number so we can call you so that we can get you connected?'" said Homeless Management Information Specialist Jeanine Beasley.
The Talbot Interfaith Shelter is currently being held at the Unitarian Church on Route 50 in Easton. The shelter provided the homeless with a small bed and a small cubicle in addition to a warm meal, breakfast in the morning and a lunch they can take with them.
Julie Lowe has been working with the Talbot Interfaith Shelter since 2008. She said raising public awareness will not cure homelessness, but it is a step in the right direction.
"Letting people know that there is a homeless problem on the shore means people will reach out and open their hearts much like the churches that we work with do," Lowe said.
The Talbot Interfaith Shelter has been at capacity just about every night it has been open. The Point-In-Time survey on homelessness will be conducted Wednesday, Jan. 25. Shelters in all five counties on the Mid Shore are expected to be full.
