[Image from recent Minnesota Housing FHPAP Annual Meeting that Pastor Steve attended.]
When New Pathways made the decision to no longer serve the Brainerd Lakes Area, Stephanie Pontius knew her heart’s calling was to step forward and ensure serving the homeless population was not going to be ignored.
“Homelessness in the Brainerd Lakes Area is real, but it’s often invisible, so the community isn’t always aware of how great the need is. The Bible specifically tells us to help those in need. We are blessed to live in a giving, connected community, and together we can make a real difference,” said Pontius.
Reaching out to a few of the people she knew who volunteered with New Pathways, along with Bridges of Hope, Brainerd HRA, and the Brainerd Lakes Salvation Army, Pontius pulled together a group to start a conversation around what the rebuilding of a homeless shelter program could look like. From that initial conversation, a meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 12 at 4:00 p.m. at the Journey North to look at addressing homeless needs in the community both short and long term.
Anyone with a heart for this work is invited to come. Groups will meet simultaneously, with one focused on short term planning for this coming winter, and another looking at long term visioning.
WHAT: Homeless Shelter Program Planning
WHEN: Tuesday, November 12, 2019 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
WHERE: The Journey North, 6785 Woida Rd N, Baxter
Connect Stephanie Pontius with any questions at (218) 851-5373.