The Marion Housing Continuum of Care is holding a free community dinner at the Salvation Army on Wednesday, November 17, from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm. The dinner was planned as a way to highlight the homeless situation in the Marion area which has reached an all-time high. In addition, this is National Homeless Awareness Week.
Charles Bulick, Marion Shelter Program Executive Director, told the Marion County Commissioner Tuesday that homelessness in Marion County tends to be invisible, but reminded them that just because you don’t see it does not mean that it is not a serious situation.
“A homeless person is not the stereotypical wino on the street,” stated Bulick. He explained that because of Marion’s rural nature, it experiences a “hidden homelessness” where people don’t sleep under bridges. Instead they live in their vehicles, double up in apartments, or live on friends couches.
Bulick also warned that anyone could find themselves homeless. He explained they serve people from all walks of life who suddenly, because of circumstances beyond their control, have no place to live.
In the last fiscal year, which ended at the end of June, the Marion Shelter Program served 459 people. Bulick says that is a record number served for the program. He also warned that the numbers since the end of June, over 202, have the program on track to serve over 600 individuals this fiscal year.
The dinner Wednesday evening is open to the public. In addition to the meal, free medical screenings and flu shots will be available from Marion Public Health. The Salvation Army is located at 317 West Church Street in Marion.
You can learn more about the Marion Shelter Program at www.themarionshelter.com or by calling 740-387-4550.
