A Niles councilwoman is organizing a trip to the state capitol in an effort to bring a department of human services office to Niles.

Georgia Boggs announced her intention at the Greater Niles Senior Center Thursday morning.

“We want them to know that we want to be heard,” said Boggs to a small round of applause of those gathered.

Boggs, who represents the First Ward, said it is difficult for people in the Niles area to travel to the nearest state-run DHS office in Benton Harbor, which is about 35 miles away.

She said she knows many people who require services from DHS but don’t have a reliable form of transportation. They either have to rely on other people to take them or use public transportation, which can be costly.

“The distance creates a hardship,” she said.

The bus trip will leave at 6 a.m. Wednesday, June 17, from Niles City Hall, located at 333 N. 2nd St., Niles. The cost is $35 and there are about 40 seats available on a first come, first served basis.

Boggs said the cost of the ride would be compensated for those who can’t afford it.

For more information about the bus trip or to sign up, call Boggs at (269) 683-3873 or (269) 683-3769.

Once in Lansing, Boggs said they would seek an audience with Gov. Rick Snyder as well as local legislators.

“If we want a DHS office in Niles, we have to speak up,” said Boggs, adding that she has campaigned for this cause for several years with no luck.

DHS is the state’s public assistance, child and welfare agency, offering services such as financial and food assistance for qualifying individuals and families.