Ava Adams
IVN intern
In an effort to better understand and address homelessness in our community, Illinois Valley Living Solutions recently helped to organize a point-in-time count of homeless and displaced individuals. The count, which took place Jan. 29 at Jubilee Park, utilized an innovative app called Counting Us to collect data and also provide vital resources and services to those in need.
“We’re happy that people showed up to be counted,” said Laura Mancuso, executive director of IVLS. “With almost 115 surveys filled out, we’re confident that we’ll have a more accurate picture of homelessness in our community.”
The event was made possible through the collaboration of numerous local organizations, including the Mid Rogue Foundation, DHS, Journey Home, Options, Maslow Project, the VA, Max’s Mission, HIV Alliance, Hearts with a Mission, and Mobile Integrated Navigation Team. The United Community Action Network also played a key role in supporting the effort.
Mancuso, who organized IVLS after working with and being inspired by the Cave Junction Homeless Alliance, emphasized the importance of addressing affordable housing in our area.
“We’re committed to making a meaningful impact in our community,” she said. “With the data we collect, we hope to secure more funding to invest in low-income housing and provide vital resources for mental health and substance abuse treatment.”
The point-in-time count will remain open until Feb. 7, and homeless and displaced residents of Cave Junction are encouraged to record their data.
Community members are welcome to donate cold weather supplies like coats, blankets and socks at the Public Health Wednesday Pop-ups at Jubilee Park from 12-2 or at the IVLS office at 315 Caves Hwy. Suite C Thursdays and Fridays from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. contact IVLS at 971-415-0281.
As Mancuso noted, “Every contribution whether it’s time, resources, or funding brings us closer to creating a more compassionate and supportive community here in Cave Junction.” For updates on the point-in-time count and IVLS’s efforts to address homelessness in our community, stay tuned on Facebook and visit their website at https://ivlivingsolutions.org. You can also make donations and find volunteer information on the website.