Eighteen months ago, Veronica Hodges’ world changed.

Hodges lived with her mother for 12 years before she died, and she couldn’t afford to pay rent. Since then she’s stayed at Mosley Motel in Gary’s Miller neighborhood.

Hodges, 42, stays at the motel with her two teenage children and her 6-month-old granddaughter.

“I’m trying to raise her to the best of my ability, but it can be so hard,” Hodges said. “I don’t have any help, any resources for her.”

For Hodges, seeing volunteers with Point in Time’s annual homeless count was a blessing. The Mosley Motel was one of various stops throughout Gary and Lake County that about 100 volunteers went to on Wednesday.

“It’s the greatest feeling,” Hodges said about seeing volunteers. “I don’t know what I’m going to do. I’m like, ‘I’m already struggling to raise my two (children), how am I going to raise a grandbaby?’”

The Point in Time survey is a count of sheltered and unsheltered people experiencing homelessness on a single night in January, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The count helps determine how many resources and funds need to be allocated to an area.

Volunteers surveyed Hodges and other homeless people throughout Lake County, asking questions about their prior living situation, how many people are with them and health conditions.

Hodges was given phone numbers for resources throughout the city, including at Gary Community Schools Corp. and the Sojourner Truth House. Because she stays at the motel, Hodges said it’s difficult to get resources.

If she was living in a shelter, it would be easier, but Hodges said that doesn’t work for her situation. Hodges is also disabled, so she can’t get a job.

She appreciated sharing her struggles with volunteers and getting their feedback.

“Someone’s listening, someone’s hearing me, someone’s reaching out to us,” she said. “We all need help, so it feels great to have someone at least coming out here and saying, ‘Maybe there’s parents and mothers there that need help.’”

LaRanza Carson, regional chair for the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority, said volunteers traveled throughout the county, including rural areas, to get a count of the homeless population and offer services.

They also gave people bags filled with socks, shampoo, blankets and other needed items.

“Being a voice and advocating for (the homeless population) is very important because everyone matters,” Carson said. “I just want to be there and make sure I advocate for those who don’t have a voice.”

Carson focused on Lake Station’s homeless population, adding that she started connecting with people on Tuesday. She also planned to go to East Chicago later in the day on Wednesday.

Volunteers met at 7 a.m. and some planned to be in the community until 7 p.m. Carson said a group planned to go out at 9:30 p.m. Wednesday as well.

Volunteers came from various groups, including CoAction in Crown Point and Veterans Affairs.

Before people went to their respective areas, Nina Johnson, the count’s assistant coordinator, gave a pep talk.

“You’re going to learn how to be humble,” Johnson said. “You’re going to learn to be gracious for what you have. … Expect to be compassionate.”

Representatives from the city of Gary weren’t at the count, but Spokeswoman Erika Blackwell released a statement before, saying the city is dedicated to providing safe spaces for the homeless population.

This year, the city plans to invest about $500,000 in the Brothers’ Keeper shelter, which will be used to make essential repairs and updates to the facility.

“The Melton Administration recognizes that homelessness and the housing crisis is a national challenge requiring a comprehensive approach,” Blackwell’s statement read. “Moving forward, we will continue to work closely with nonprofit and private partners to develop more safe, high-quality and attractive housing options that meet the needs of our current and future residents.”

mwilkins@chicagotribune.com