From Cold Streets to Real Impact: 11,393 Steps for Change
Written by Dre S., Supportive Housing Advocate
Negative two degrees has a way of sharpening your focus. The air bites, the streets are quiet, and every step feels deliberate.
For two hours, I walked 11,393 steps with the Lakeshore Housing Alliance of Ottawa County during the annual Point In Time Count (PIT Count), moving through neighborhoods and familiar streets to identify neighbors experiencing homelessness. Simple in concept but powerful in impact, this count provides the data our community needs to secure funding, strengthen programs, and expand housing opportunities.
The PIT Count happens just one night each year, but its effect lasts far longer. Accurate data leads to informed decisions—and informed decisions lead to real, measurable change.
During the event, resource packets and blessing bags were provided to those we met, including hygiene kits and Narcan. Information about warming centers and other critical supports was shared, offering immediate relief and connection to long-term solutions. Special thanks to First United Methodist Church (FUMC) for opening their doors as a warming center, providing safety and comfort on a bitterly cold night.
In the final hour, we shifted from walking to driving, covering hidden areas and campsites invisible to the naked eye. It was a vivid reminder that thoughtful coordination and collective effort can extend our reach far beyond the streets we know.
This effort wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of partners like Community Action House, Lakeshore Housing Alliance, Salvation Army, Gateway Mission, Ottawa County Department of Public Health, Good Samaritan, and others who could not attend but support the mission.
Despite the cold, the night carried momentum. People showed up. Care was shared. Every person counted represented not just need, but potential—proof that when a community pays attention, solutions follow.
Cold hands, tired legs, and a warm sense of possibility. Every step counted. Together, they moved us closer to warmth, safety and togetherness.
