BELL COUNTY, Texas — Joyce Marcum has worked with Family Promise East Bell County for 2 years and now serves as the executive director. This nonprofit helps around 14 homeless families each year but always get more calls during the holidays.
"From the number of calls we get versus the number of people we can serve, we are seeing a huge uptake," Marcum said.
The annual point in time (PIT) count in Bell County found 409 homeless people at the beginning of this year. This was lower than 2018 which had a count of 506. Marcum said from her view, that's probably not the case.
Most of the homeless people that come to Family Promise East Bell County have only recently been stuck on the streets. They have been evicted after a landlord dispute, or weren't able to pay rent after loosing a job.
The organization brings families in for a program that lasts two to three months. The program helps them look for a job and teaches them to budget. Families stay with local churches and move churches every week.
Marcum said it's to help keep people from becoming complacent, and it works. She said the program successfully places 80 percent of clients in new homes.
The nonprofit could do more, but the work takes money and people. Internet service provider Nextlink donated $1,000 to the nonprofit but Marcum said, volunteers are still need.
"If they've got a skill that they can come in and do, we always welcome volunteers. We welcome volunteers to help our churches as well." Marcum said.
Family Promise East Bell County isn't the only organization that needs volunteers, many Killeen based organizations could use your help as well.
Links for the volunteering with the organizations:
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