NILES — Community members across Berrien County who face homelessness, eviction or making ends meet on rent are not alone in their fight.

Every Wednesday and Thursday, representatives from the Benton Harbor-based housing resource center, The Connection, are available to chat face to face with residents about these issues, and help them to find a solution that will keep a roof over their head.

On a typical Thursday, Stanley Scott is among the representatives with this goal in mind. Scott sets up shop at the Niles District Library and is available to conduct client assessments and recommend help based on that information.

Through The Connection, residents of Berrien County or people who plan to move to the area can get help with eviction, rental and security deposit assistance, as well as community referrals, housing information and housing case management. There are a few requirements for some forms of assistance, including an income requirement and copay for some assistance programs. The Connection also operates an emergency homeless shelter out of Benton Harbor and people can receive free transportation to this service if needed.

By making weekly visits to Niles, Scott said the Connection hopes to spread awareness about the organization’s efforts beyond just Benton Harbor.

“Our mission is not to forget about south county,” Scott said. “A lot of times it is a strain on individuals to drive down to see us in Benton Harbor, so we try to make sure the clients here have access to our services.”

On average, Scott said he sees about 10 Niles clients every Thursday. In Niles, Scott said they tend to see more first-time clients. One of the biggest problems clients seem to face is eviction.

While The Connection can help residents who meet income guidelines find housing, Scott said the aim is bigger than that.

“We don’t just want individuals to find shelter,” Scott said. “We want them to prosper. We want to do what we can to get them to the next level.”

A major key in addressing community problems with homelessness and income security is knowing those issues exist.

“I think the largest challenge is getting people to understand that homelessness has no face,” Scott said. “Just because a person is not digging out of the dumpster does not mean they are not homeless.”

Denard Fenaud, of Berrien Springs, a Connections path outreach case manager, echoed this statement.

“You can’t identify a problem if you don’t know how to identify it,” Fenaud said.

He said if more people were aware that there was a problem, there might be more effort to solve the issue.

Fenaud faced homelessness himself for about six months while living in Florida in 2008. Fenaud is now a graduate student at Andrews University, where he is working toward dual degrees in social work and divinity.

Having been without a home himself, Fenaud said he has a more compassionate view for those who need a helping hand.

“When you don’t have suitable housing … I would be in school unable to think,” Fenaud said. “Because what I am thinking about is where I am trying to stay next.”

For those who need help, Fenaud and Scott said the organization seeks to help residents make the transition so that they can get back on their feet.

“It’s a remarkable resource for those who want to take it advantage of it,” Scott said.