Marshall (KMHL) – United Community Action Partnership has announced their new 24/7 crisis line for people experiencing homelessness. Homelessness has become an issue during the COVID-19 pandemic from job loss and a shortage of affordable housing options.

Real-life examples of homelessness UCAP has observed include: people “couch hopping”, living in a vehicle, sleeping in storage units, locking themselves in their place of work, warming up in 24-hour businesses, or multiple families living in one single-family apartment.

“We are excited to be able to offer this as a resource throughout our service area,” said Angela Larson, Family Services Director at UCAP. “We want to be as accessible as possible and don’t want people to have to wait until the next business day before they can get help.”

Anyone in need of shelter should first call their local UCAP office during regular hours. Outside of business hours, those in need should call the crisis line. Those in Lincoln, Lyon, Jackson, Cottonwood, Nobles, Pipestone, Murray, and Rock Counties should dial 507-537-1416, then press #3109. Staff may not answer immediately if they are assisting others, so a message may be left and calls will be returned as soon as possible. Screening questions will be asked to determine eligibility and coordinate appropriate shelter and other services as needed.