It is challenging to determine the exact number of unhoused people in Union County. I have been told that most of these folks couch surf or stay with relatives. Others travel to Knox County for services. And still others camp out in various locations around the county.

When living in Sharps Chapel many years ago, my husband and I explored an area called Palmer’s Junction. It was a lovely little picnic area right on the water. We noticed that some people were “probably” homeless, living there in tents and maybe cars. I am not one to walk up to strangers and ask them if they are homeless, which is why I say “probably.” Upon reflection, and after talking to other Chapel residents at the time, we discovered that many were. That was my introduction to homelessness in Union County.