MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – The amount of families in the UP experiencing homelessness is growing at an alarming rate. Until now there hasn’t been a homeless shelter in Marquette County just for families, in response, Room At The Inn is about to open just such a place. Executive Director Chelsie Wilkinson says the need is out there.
“Over the last year and a half or so have seen a really alarming increase in families who are not fleeing domestic violence, who are experiencing homelessness. And unfortunately, the closest family shelter to here is in Menominee. You’ve got single-parent households or even two-parent households that just really can’t afford rent anymore. And so we want to make sure that there is a safety net for those families,” said Wilkinson.
It’s no secret that Marquette County is experiencing a housing crisis, inventory is low, and rents are high, and with so little costing so much, Wilkinson says it affects the poor to a greater degree.
“We’re seeing, you know, people who are, you know, working-class families paying, you know, 50, 60, 70% of their take-home pay just on housing,” said Wilkinson.
This new family shelter requires some additional protocols because kids are involved
“Background checks on anybody over 18 in this new family shelter, and ensuring that the safety in that unit and the privacy for those folks is paramount,” explained Wilkinson.
Wilkinson says clients are only expected to stay for 90 days, so it is not a permanent solution. The key is getting homeless families off the street and into a safe place where they can start planning a future
“You know, that’s a huge step in the right direction, and we’re really, really proud of that,” said Wilkinson.
If you or someone you know is homeless or in danger of becoming homeless, you can dial 211 to be connected to a housing advocate, or visit roomattheinn.org
