I’ve been volunteering with my church a number of years at The Bridge on seventh. I discover it a rewarding expertise serving to the homeless and helping the shelter employees. The friends that I’ve met whereas volunteering could possibly be anybody’s relative or neighbor. 92% of the friends are native residents. Our church and lots of others have additionally donated wanted objects from clothes to meals.
I used to be on the Metropolis Council assembly Aug. 7, 2024, when Brainerd (and now Baxter) made being homeless against the law. If they don’t seem to be allowed to camp or sleep of their automobile, they want someplace secure to sleep. Don’t deny that. Bridges of Hope supplies many providers in our neighborhood. We have to let the nonprofits which might be making a distinction proceed to do this!
I’ve seen The Bridge on seventh shelter work with Open Arms Day Program and different space nonprofits to make a distinction within the lives of our homeless residents. The Sharing Bread Soup Kitchen, Salvation Military Meals Shelf and LSS Hope Housing are lifelines to these experiencing homelessness. All of them work collectively and with the county to get folks the assistance they want. My Neighbor To Love Coalition is offering housing for these most in want.
Please approve The Bridge on seventh homeless shelter allow for the subsequent three years and the pilot summer time program offering inside secure beds that aren’t in metropolis parks, underneath bridges or in automobiles. The shelter provides not solely a mattress however entry to providers that may assist.
Additionally, on April 7 please approve My Neighbor to Love Coalition boarding home.
We would like Brainerd to be a metropolis that cares for all of its residents. Our nonprofits are doing marvelous work. Allow them to proceed.
Marcia Ferris
Brainerd
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