Local Survey of Area Homeless Gives Insight to What They Would Like City to Improve

"A lot of people have given up on these people," Wilson said.

And Anica Wilson knows what that is like.

She was homeless, living on the streets for several months.

Today she is back on her feet, but still trying to help, by volunteering in events like this, an annual homeless survey-to help those who are not as fortunate.

"One of our greatest needs in this area is affordable housing," Edwards said. "I know our groups have been working on that for several years."

Nancy Edwards is the volunteer coordinator for Second Helpings.

She and volunteers like Wilson headed out to take a survey of our area's homeless.

"We always hope that we find the people that need the services," Edwards said. "So that is our ultimate goal I think."

Edwards said all the information they collect will help receive grant funding.

Money that can be used to get the homeless help, like more public transportation.  

"What I hear the most from people that they may have a job but its way on the other side of town and they don't have a way to get there," Edwards said.

Another problem-Wilson and her partner Diana, who was also homeless, both said there needs to be more places for people to go.

"They want a place to go in the daytime," Wilson said. "Like when its cold when it's 20 degrees out there is no place for them to go except for the library."

Wilson is living in an apartment thanks to help from the Salvation Army.

She said the more grants our city receives, the more they can offer affordable housing.
She said maybe then she could have been off the streets sooner.

And that is her one wish for those she surveyed today.