Officials say it's increased by 30 percent over the last few years
MARQUETTE -- You could say homelessness killed him. Forty-year-old Jamie Weston of Marquette had been living in a lean-to in the woods in Harvey when he died earlier this week from exposure.
And officials say his plight is more common than you may think.
"I definitely think it's a problem. We have a lot of complaints from our local businesses, especially ones that are open 24 hours--the casino, the Holiday Gas Station--a lot at night where they're just trying to get warm or get something to drink or eat," says Anthony Carrick of the Chocolay Township Police Department.
The woods are a common spot for those without a home, primarily because there's no where else to go.
Room at the Inn provides overnight shelter for the homeless, but they close during the summer months. One reason is because they don't have to worry as much about the homeless freezing overnight; another reason is lack of volunteers.
"It's hard to find volunteers in the summer because of vacations and other commitments people have, and our volunteers really do need a break," says Helen McCormick, founder of Room at the Inn.
The Janzen House in Marquette offers low income housing for anyone who needs it all year-round, provided there's space available. Resident Robert Samsey says he loves having a nice, clean room where he can relax and play his guitar. Before coming to the Janzen House, he, too, had been living outdoors.
"When you don't have money to pay rent for a big apartment, a tent comes in handy...I had a little cook stove and a bunk and stuff like that, basically pretty simple," says Samsey.
The Janzen House also has a small shelter with five beds, but space is limited, especially for women.
And although The Janzen House is the only shelter open during the summer months, there are services available which help the homeless find more permanent housing. One is Child and Family Services of the Upper Peninsula--they can be reached at (906) 228-4050. Another is Lutheran Social Services at (906) 225-5437.
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