Jason Futch
reporter2.riverbendnews@gmail.com
The United Way of Suwannee Valley is looking to help those experiencing homelessness. It aims to help provide resources and necessities to those who are experiencing such hardships and to those who may also be suffering from mental health issues. The United Way’s Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH) team is seeking to provide outreach to Columbia, Dixie, Hamilton, Lafayette and Suwannee Counties. Each individual enrolled with PATH's outreach team will be provided with a case manager who will keep track of the individual's progress. The PATH team will also conduct an assessment for each individual to determine eligibility. To be eligible, individuals must be homeless and have a mental health issue, such as depression, bipolar disorder or anxiety, among other issues. The PATH Homeless Outreach team defines homeless as someone who may be living in the woods, in a vehicle, or who is not stably housed, such as staying in a shelter or sleeping on the floor or couch. Resources the PATH team can provide include referrals for housing, clothing including jackets and hats, blankets, sleeping bags, ready-to-eat meals (MREs), bottled water, hygiene items and detailed case management. The United Way of Suwannee Valley also encourages those who want to help by considering donating resources, such as jackets or sleeping bags. Clean items can be delivered to the organization's headquarters, located at 871 SW SR 47, in Lake City. The organization also welcomes volunteers to participate in outreach. For more information on obtaining the resources the PATH team provides, contact the United Way of Suwannee Valley at (386) 984-2368. When leaving a message, individuals should provide their name, number and location. Those who do not have a phone can provide a time and date during office hours for when they will return to the location. The United Way of Suwannee Valley is committed to advancing the common good in our communities by building strong relationships with community partner impact agencies that share their common goal: improving people's lives and strengthening the community. The organization strives to make progress in supporting health, education and financial stability throughout the Suwannee Valley area.