U.P. Homelessness, Part 2

The issue of poverty and homelessness in the U.P. is not a favorite topic at this time of the year, but both are serious issues.

In a week–long series of reports with the Mining Journal, newspaper reporter Renee Prusi looks at poverty while ABC 10 focuses on the homeless.

As we see how people are getting through hard times, we get the story of one u–p family.

The population of homeless individuals and families in Upper Michigan is growing.

There are a few programs in place to help those in need, but space is limited.

After the death of a loved one, the Mansuy family found themselves in place they never imagined possible.

Olivia Mansuy says they didn’t know where or who to turn to.

One of Olivia’s friends told her about the Welcome Home program, run by Lutheran Social Services of Marquette.

The program provides a variety of services to help families get back on their feet.

Welcome Home program coordinator Sarah Fogaroli says that unfortunately, due to limited resources, they aren’t able to help everyone who needs it — the Mansuy family was one of the lucky ones.

They now have a safe place to call home, new beds to sleep in and clothes to wear.

Tomorrow night, we’ll take a look at Room at the Inn, one of the only emergency shelters available in Marquette County.