HOMELESSNESS

'One Night Without a Home' event gives perspective on homelessness in Branch County

Don Reid
Coldwater Daily Reporter

COLDWATER — Branch County Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence Executive Director Kim Hemker and volunteers spent Wednesday night in cardboard boxes outside Hope Café at 49 West Chicago. 

Kim Hemker in her cardboard shelter outside Hope Cafe Wednesday night to draw awareness to local homeless issues.

Hemker said the now annual "One Night without a Home" spotlights the plight of the homeless in Branch County. "We are educating our community that while we know that staying one night out in the cold or outside isn't going to solve anything, it makes us aware of what's going on in our community." 

Hemker said the community does not know how many homeless there are locally. The director of the domestic violence shelter house comes in contact with those who need shelter for themselves and often their families.  

Hermker explained most are not street people. The problem is not one of people unable or unwilling to work. Jobs are available in the county. 

"Our housing shortage is a problem," Hemker said. "We have limited housing (especially for lower-income individuals and families)."

Hemker added, "When you have to pay $1,000 a month for a studio or a one-bedroom apartment think of how many hours you have to work. So, it is rough."  

Hemker said the federally supported, "Section Eight is not happening right now because the state has shut that down because of budgeting. We have people out there that want homes, that are trying to work but can't get help." 

Brandy Sowers and Cody Michael look out from their cardboard shelters outside Hope Cafe Wednesday night.

The coalition spread the word around the community. Hope Café had soup and chili to bring people down to learn and see what was needed.  

Hemker said at Hope Café, "We have people coming up to the cafe all the time and asking what we can do." A donation jar inside allows the public to donate meals for those who ask for help. 

Unlike past years with freezing temperatures, snow, or sleet, Wednesday night brought rain and temperatures in the 40s.  

SubscribeFollow this story. Subscribe to the Daily Reporter.

Still, the volunteers in the cardboard boxes along West Chicago got an idea of what it might be like to be out in the Michigan winter with nowhere better to stay. 

Contact Don Reid: [email protected]