I'm spearheading an important project that affects our community. It's been named "0peration Save the Shelter." Many people may not be aware of a unique program that has been helping homeless families transition into stable housing for the past 12 years. During that time, 435 families with 740 children have gone through the program in this area, alone. New Pathways has an 82 percent success rate of establishing permanent stable housing for clients.
Currently, they are facing a crisis of their own. Normally, over 50 percent of their funding has come from federal grants, however, those grant funds have changed focus. Therefore, the Brainerd facility is over 50 percent short of funding requirements for the next soon-to-be June 31 deadline fiscal year. Nearly $100,000 of funding is needed for our region.
I, for one, as liaison to the Crow Wing Power Community Trustees (Operation Round Up), am dedicating my time and resources to "Operation Save the Shelter." The Crow Wing Power Trust Board, through Operation Round Up Donations, has allocated $5,000 in matching funds and the Hallett Community Trust had allocated an additional $5,000 for a total of $10,000 match for the region.
Several events are planned in New Pathways honor, the first of which is scheduled at Happy Hour for a Cause at Cuyuna Brewing from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, April 26-$15/person will give you brew tasting and appetizers from Iron Range Eatery. RSVP to Facebook.com, search for Operation Save the Shelter. Or call 218-831-1180 to RSVP. If you prefer, you can send a donation to New Pathways, 512 S 8th St, St No. 2, Brainerd, Mn 56401, or recurring donations to newpathwaysmn.com; all donations from our area will go to the Brainerd facility.
Char Kinzer
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Deerwood
