Previous Story
NMHC to survey homelessness on Saipan
The Northern Marianas Housing Corp.’s planning team is asking the public for assistance in combating homelessness on the island.
The team is preparing a Point-In-Time survey, which canvases areas where homelessness is prevalent. The entire process should take the whole day on Jan. 27, 2017. About 25 volunteers are needed to conduct the survey.
Zenie P. Mafnas, deputy corporate director for NMHC, said, “We’re doing something to address homelessness on our island and the Point-In-Time survey is simply the first step.”
NMHC staff have received training and have been working with other government and non-government agencies for the upcoming survey.
“The purpose of this survey is to address the growing population of homeless people on island. We intend to find out more about the homelessness situation in order for us to check up on them first-hand and offer assistance in any way possible,” Mafnas said.
A planner for the Emergency Solutions Grant, Jacob Muna said, “We are also asking the public to inform us with any information in regards to where homeless people usually accumulate. So if you think there is a certain location where homeless people usually head over for shelter, please give us a call.”
NMHC is currently running the Emergency Solutions Grant. It entitles the organization a grant of $74,000 every year that it then dispenses, allowing homeless people or families to receive a guaranteed 10-month rental and utilities assistance.
The planning team is also preparing to apply for a Continuum of Care program grant to provide financial assistance to homeless or at-risk people as well as help fund operational shelters that support the homeless.
“I believe Guam receives $3 million to $4 million for the COC and if Saipan can at least obtain a fourth of that, it would significantly help the people here,” Mafnas said.
If interested in volunteering or to simply turn in information about the locations of homeless people, call Muna at 234-7689.
