GRANT COUNTY — The Grant County Board of Commissioners, in partnership with regional stakeholders and LDC, Inc., is leading the development of the Five-Year Homeless Housing Plan Update for the period 2025-2030.

In a bid to facilitate community involvement, the county has launched a survey seeking feedback from residents on local homelessness issues.  

Caitlin E. Manell, deputy clerk of the board, explained the importance of public input in this planning process.  

“The Department of Commerce has recently changed the requirements for the homeless housing plan," she said. "They are asking local governments to include stakeholder input and public engagement throughout the planning process. This survey is just one of the many ways we are reaching out to the community.” 

The survey is open to all residents of Grant County and is designed to gather vital information on public perceptions of homelessness and housing stability.  

Manell emphasized the survey’s anonymity, saying, “We won’t be collecting personally identifiable information, aside from optional demographic details. The data collected will help the Board of Commissioners and the Homeless Housing Task Force better understand the community’s views on these critical issues." 

Access to the survey is readily available through the Grant County website. Residents can find the link by navigating to the “boards, commissions and districts” section, followed by the "Homeless Housing Task Force" tab. The survey will remain open until Aug. 20, giving residents time to provide their insights. 

“The information we gather can shape the county's strategies to reduce homelessness and improve housing stability,” said Manell. “This is an essential opportunity for residents to voice their opinions and contribute to policies that affect them directly.” 

The timeline for finalizing the update to the homelessness plan is set for December of this year, according to Manell. 

“We intend to use as much time as necessary to ensure the plan reflects the county’s goals and the needs of our community in collaboration with regional stakeholders,” she said. 

The survey results will not only inform the county's five-year strategy but will also ensure that community voices are integral to the decision-making process regarding homelessness and housing stability in Grant County, Manell explained.  

Residents are encouraged to take part and share their perspectives on this pressing issue.  

“Any resident of Grant County should take the survey,” Manell said. “I know that people have opinions on homelessness, and now is the time to share your input on it. We have sent this out to as many entities in Grant County as possible, because we want surveys from just as many people as we can.”