Needs Assessment of Homeless Persons in The Bemidji Area

Needs Assessment of
Homeless Persons
in the Bemidji Area
March 2014
Center City Housing Corporation

105 ½ 1st Street, Duluth MN
Needs Assessment of
Homeless Persons in the
Bemidji Area
March 2014
Center City Housing Corporation

105 ½ 1st Street
Duluth MN 55802
218-722-7161
With funding from:
Corporation for Supportive Housing

2801 21st Avenue South, Suite 230
Minneapolis, MN 55407
Phone: 612-721-3700;
http://www.csh.org/mn
Prepared by:
Patty Beech
Planning Consultant
222 E. Superior Street, #324
Duluth, MN 55802
pbeech@cpinternet.com
218-525-4957
Page | 2
Table of Contents
I. Executive Summary...........................4
II. Needs Assessment Purpose,

Background, and Methodology..........7
III. Findings and Recommendations......10
IV. Numbers and Needs of Homeless

Chronic Inebriates...........................13
V. Numbers and Needs of Homeless

Single Adults....................................19
VI. Numbers and Needs of Homeless

Families with Children.....................26
VII. Numbers/Needs of Homeless Youth…35
VIII. Key Informant Interview Summary...38
IX. Minnesota 2012 State-wide Survey

Summary for NW Minnesota.............56
Page | 3
I. Executive Summary
The Bemidji Homeless Needs Assessment was initiated to quantify the numbers and needs of
chronic homeless alcoholics/chronic inebriates in the Bemidji area, to determine the scope of
broader homelessness needs, and to begin a community conversation about solutions for
meeting the housing and support service needs of the area’s most vulnerable homeless persons.
The report is based on interviews with individuals knowledgeable about homelessness and data
from agencies that serve people without housing.
A. Background
In response to growing concern about the situation of homeless chronic inebriates within the
City of Bemidji, Center City Housing Corporation (CCHC) was invited to consult with a wide
variety of public and private organizations in the area about this challenge. CCHC is a Duluth-
based state-wide non-profit developer of supportive housing for this population and for
homeless single adults, families and youth.1 With financial support from the Corporation for
Supportive Housing, and with support of concerned non-profit and governmental agencies,
Center City Housing initiated this needs assessment in the fall of 2013.
B. Key Findings
 The numbers of people who are homeless is growing. Based on State-wide Homeless
Survey results, the numbers of people identified as homeless in the non-reservation areas of
the 12-County NW region grew 170% from 2009 to 2012.2 The total number identified in
2012 was 666. The number of children identified as homeless in the Bemidji School District
increased from 234 in 2008-2009 to 262 in 2011-2012.
 There is a need for low cost housing for multiple populations of homeless and low
income people who lack stable housing. There are over 200 people on the waiting list for
Section 8 tenant-based rental assistance in Beltrami County, and many hundreds more on
waiting lists at Leech Lake and Red Lake Housing. One-third of homeless adults are
employed, but, on average, the amount that all homeless adults in NW MN can pay for
housing is $277/month.3
 There is an identified group of homeless individuals who are chronic alcoholics and
who are visible on the streets of Bemidji. The physical and mental health of these
individuals is fragile; they use expensive detoxification, jail, and health care services
1
http://www.centercityhousing.org/
2
http://www.wilder.org/Wilder-Research/Research-Areas/Homelessness/Pages/Statewide-Homeless-Study-
Detailed-Data.aspx
3
Detailed-Data.aspx
frequently; the People’s Church is their only option for shelter; and they rarely experience
any resolution of their housing need or addiction.
 There are a large number of single homeless adults without children; they have few
individual and community resources, and many have significant barriers to housing
stability. Their numbers in the NW region increased by 195% from 2009 to 2012 in the
State-wide Homeless Survey. Over half (211 adults ) had been homeless for over a year and
43% (179 adults) have a chronic health condition.
 American Indian individuals and families are over-represented in the homeless

populations. Racial disparities are persistent in the Minnesota homeless population, and in
Greater Minnesota, especially with people who are American Indian 4. This is also true in the
Bemidji area, because of the proximity of the reservations of the Red Lake Nation, Leech
Lake Band, and White Earth Nation, and because of high poverty levels in Beltrami County
and on the reservations. While the population in Beltrami County is 20.3% American Indian
or Alaska Native5, the State-wide Homeless Survey found that 37% of the homeless people
in the non-reservation areas of the 12-county NW Region were American Indian.
 There is not enough emergency shelter for homeless individuals, families, or youth. The
House of Hope emergency shelter for families turned away over 1,000 people in 2013; the Red
Lake Shelter and Servants of Shelter (SOS) Program are almost always full, and the SOS
Shelter is only open during the winter. People’s Church shelters as many people as it can,
but only a small percentage of the people homeless in Bemidji are able to secure an
emergency shelter bed when they need one.
 Homeless families with children are served by a number of successful service, shelter,
and housing programs, but the current system cannot handle or resolve homelessness
for most families, due to their growing numbers and the challenges facing them. Less
than half of the families sheltered at Village of Hope move on to permanent housing after
completing their stay. Conifer Estates provides affordable housing with supportive services
to homeless families, but the waiting list is over 100 families. There is a large and growing
need for this type of housing, especially for homeless families with young parents and
families with significant mental health, education, and substance abuse barriers to stability.
 Some systematic issues in rural Minnesota can cause, complicate or prolong

homelessness. These issues include high unemployment, lack of transportation, high costs
for utilities, the substandard condition of housing, and barriers to accessing services and
housing.
4
http://www.wilder.org/Wilder-
Research/Publications/Studies/Homelessness%20in%20Minnesota%202012%20Study/Homelessness%20in%20Mi
nnesota%20-%20Findings%20from%20the%202012%20Statewide%20Homeless%20Study.pdf
5
http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/27/27007.html
Page | 5
C. Recommendations
1) Find safe places for homeless people to stay warm during the day. A safe site is
needed in Bemidji, where homeless adults can stay warm during the day. Showers,
meals, laundry facilities, access to a phone, could enhance a day center, as would referrals
to housing, health care, and employment services.
2) Address shortage of emergency shelter for night-time stays. Until additional

homelessness prevention resources and affordable housing units are available, more
shelter beds are needed.
3) Develop harm reduction housing models for chronic homeless alcoholics. Housing
focused on harm reduction provides the support necessary to minimize the loss of
housing for people who use substances. It reduces detox, emergency room, and jail
admissions, saving public funds. In the City of Bemidji, 25-40 units of harm reduction
housing are needed. Harm reduction units are also needed on the Leech Lake and Red
Lake reservations, in addition to the units needed in Bemidji.
4) Develop permanent supportive housing units for high-barrier homeless adults

without children While some homeless adults can be stabilized with a low-cost rental
unit alone; a high percentage have high levels of distress and barriers to housing stability
and require subsidized housing plus support services to address mental health, health,
and employment needs. In the City of Bemidji, at least 50 units of permanent supportive
housing are needed for homeless adults without children.
5) Expand permanent supportive housing for homeless families. Build on successful

homeless prevention, emergency shelter, and permanent supportive housing programs
for homeless families. Increase the number of units, like Conifer Estates, that pair
affordable housing with opportunity to find and maintain employment, work on
education, and learn daily living skills. Expand resources for young homeless families to
minimize the impact of homelessness on the development of young children and to
address the multiple barriers faced by their young parents. In the City of Bemidji, 50-100
units of permanent supportive housing are needed for homeless families.
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II. Needs Assessment Purpose, Background, and
Methodology
A. About the Needs Assessment

This report is an assessment of the housing needs of homeless people in the Bemidji area. It is
primarily focused on the needs of chronically homeless single adults for whom alcohol use is an
ongoing problem, but it also addresses the needs of homeless single adults, families and
youth/young adults who have barriers to housing stability. The target area for the needs
assessment is the City of Bemidji, but, because Bemidji offers services and housing options that
are not available in surrounding smaller communities and reservations, the report also discusses
the needs of homeless people who live in the broader area.
The assessment is based on key informant interviews with individuals from organizations that
serve homeless and at risk individuals in Beltrami County, and from the Leech Lake Band of
Lake Superior Chippewa, Red Lake Nation, and the White Earth Nation It is also based on the
analysis of existing data on needs, waiting lists, housing program demographics, and turn-
aways.
B. Purpose and Key Questions to Be Answered

The purpose of the needs assessment is 1) to determine if there is a need for housing for homeless
chronic inebriates in Bemidji, and 2) to determine the housing needs of other homeless
individuals and families, especially those with high barriers, in the area. Key questions to be
answered included:
1) How many homeless chronic inebriates are there in the Bemidji area?
2) What do we know about homeless chronic inebriates? What are their backgrounds,
service needs, and barriers to housing? What resources are available to them? What are
the current public costs of this population?
3) What housing models achieve stability for homeless chronic inebriates?
4) How many homeless single adults are in the Bemidji area? What are their situations and
needs? What are the characteristics of childless adults with the highest levels of need for
housing stability?
5) How many homeless families with children are there? What are the characteristics of
families with the highest levels of need for housing stability?
Page | 7
C. Background
In response to growing concern about the situation of homeless chronic inebriates within the
City of Bemidji, Center City Housing Corporation was invited in 2012 and 2013 to consult with
a wide variety of public and private organizations in the area about this challenge. CCHC is a
Duluth-based state-wide non-profit developer of supportive housing for this population and for
homeless single adults, families and youth.
To determine the number and needs of homeless chronic inebriates in the Bemidji area, and to be
able to recommend housing models for this population, CCHC initiated this needs assessment
in the Fall of 2013. Because chronic inebriates are one subset of a broader homeless population,
the needs assessment also focuses on other individuals and families without housing in the
Bemidji area. Financial support for the project came from the Corporation for Supportive
Housing. The assessment was coordinated and the report was written by Patty Beech, a housing
planning consultant hired by CCHC.
D. Methodology
Key Informants
During the winter of 2013-2014, informational meetings were held with individuals from
agencies in Beltrami County, Leech Lake, Red Lake, and White Earth that are
knowledgeable about the numbers and needs of people without permanent housing in
the Bemidji area. These included:
 Wendy Garton, White Earth Family office

 Bernadette Paradis, Beltrami County Adult Services
 Carol Priest, Nameless Coalition for the Homeless
 Tina Harville, Anishinabe Legal Services
 Sarah Einerson, Churches United
 Hyacinth Stiffler, Bi-County Community Action Program
 Barb Meurs, Bi-County Community Action Program/Conifer Estates
 Jessi Dewey, Lakes Chemical Dependency
 David May, Rita Weise, and Jamie Weise, Red Lake Emergency Shelter
 Michael May, Red Lake Veteran’s Support Services
 Linda McGraw-Adams, Red Lake Housing Authority
 Earlene Buffalo, Leech Lake Housing Authority
 Julie Kurschner-Pirieda, Leech Lake Homeless Program
 Rev. Bob Kelley, People’s Church
 Sanford Medical Center Emergency Room and Social Work staff
 Sherry, resident of People’s Church
 Brenda, resident of People’s Church
Page | 8
 John Szurpicki, Servants of Shelter Steering Committee & Restore House, Inc.
 Becky Secore, Beltrami County Health and Human Services
 John Pugleasa, Beltrami County Health and Human Services
 Sandy Hennum, Village of Hope
 Mike Mastin, Bemidji Police Department
 Phil Hodapp, Beltrami County Sheriff’s Department
 Tim Flathers, Headwater Regional Development Commission
 Laura Straw, Housing and Redevelopment Authority of Bemidji
 Rebecca Schueller, Evergreen Youth and Family Services
 Rich Jaranson, HRA of Beltrami County Board of Directors
 Mary Marchel, Beltrami County Human Services
 Reed Olson, City of Bemidji City Council
 Audrey Thayer
 Rita Albrecht, Mayor of Bemidji
Data Collection and Analysis

Multiple organizations and agencies aided Center City Housing Corporation to
understand the needs of single adults and families in the Bemidji areas who are
homeless. Data and reports provided by the following organizations document existing
housing and support services programs for individuals and families without housing.
They also provide information on the characteristics of people who lack housing
stability, and the high levels of demand for existing resources.
 Beltrami County Health and Human Services

 Beltrami County Housing and Redevelopment Authority
 Bemidji Police Department
 Bemidji Pioneer
 Bi-County Community Action Program
 Churches United
 Housing and Redevelopment Authority of Bemidji
 Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe
 Minnesota Department of Education
 Northwest Minnesota Continuum of Care
 Upper Mississippi Mental Health Center
 Village of Hope
 Wilder Research Center, Amherst H. Wilder Foundation
Page | 9
III. Findings and Recommendations
A. Summary of Need
The Bemidji Area Homeless Needs Assessment shows that there is a growing population of
people identified as homeless in the Bemidji area, a large number of homeless single adults,
including youth; a growing number of homeless families with children; and a vulnerable subset
of homeless single adults who are chronic alcoholics. In addition, homelessness is a regional
concern, as there are many homeless people and fewer resources for them on the Red Lake,
Leech Lake, and White Earth reservations.
Many of the homeless single adults spend time living outside and have lived without stable
housing for many years. Most lived in Bemidji, on a reservation or in Northwest Minnesota
before they became homeless. Half spent time in institutions. Over one-third are employed and
most others want employment. Almost all would like to find housing, but cannot. They have
significant physical and mental health conditions. There are not enough emergency shelter beds
for homeless single adults, and far too few affordable efficiency or one-bedroom apartments.
Homeless chronic alcoholics are typically unemployed, in poor health, and have made multiple
attempts to successfully complete treatment. Those who are visible number between 20-30 in
Bemidji, with many more at Leech Lake and Red Lake. For shelter, they bounce between
friends, family, the People’s Church, poor quality rental units, and outside. They are frequent
users of the emergency room, detoxification, and jail, and are continuously recycled between
these institutions with no resolution to their addiction or their housing need. There are few
supportive housing programs for homeless adults without children, and none for individuals
who cannot maintain sobriety despite repeated efforts at treatment.
High levels of poverty, unemployment and a lack of regional rental housing options, especially
for adults without children, result in homelessness disproportionately affecting American
Indians. As described in the Leech Lake Ten-Year Plan to End Homelessness6, factors that
contribute to homelessness on that reservation include: persistent poverty with a limited
economic base, multi-generational poverty and homelessness, economic changes that result in
money being more important than traditional means for acquiring basic necessities, low
educational achievement, prevalence of drugs and alcohol which contribute to fetal alcohol
exposure and resulting developmental delays and brain damage; lack of regular transportation
system; and the vast geographical distances that have to be navigated.
Homeless families double-up with friends or family because they lack emergency shelter and
affordable rental housing options. Although there are more resources in the Bemidji area for
homeless families than homeless single adults, the current homeless response system cannot
handle the large numbers of families with a housing crisis. The homeless system does not have
the capacity or resources to ensure a return to housing stability for most homeless families and
homeless parents have significant barriers to maintaining employment and housing because they
6
Continuum of Care: Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness; Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, October 21, 2011.
Page | 10
experience low educational levels, mental or physical health problems, violence, addiction, or
generational poverty.
Homeless youth are likely to have spent time in the child welfare or foster care system. They
may have been forced to leave home by their parents, been severely neglected or abandoned by
their caregivers, or may have run away from home. Beltrami has a high rate of teen parents, and
many homeless young parents seek services and housing from Evergreen Youth and Family
Services. Homeless youth are less likely to stay in shelters than homeless adults. The numbers of
homeless youth in the Bemidji area is growing and these young people are likely to have
experienced multiple episodes of homelessness. They may end up as homeless adults without
services and housing to help them acquire stability.
B. Recommendations
1) Find safe places for homeless people to stay warm during the day. A safe site is needed
in Bemidji, where homeless adults can stay warm during the day. Showers, meals, laundry
facilities, and access to a phone could enhance a day canter, as would referrals to housing,
health care, and employment services. Leech Lake key informants identified a need for
daytime resources for homeless people on the reservation. Challenges with chronic
inebriates using public facilities could be reduced if appropriate options were developed.
2) Address shortage of emergency shelter for night-time stays. Emergency shelter is

not a long-term solution to addressing homelessness. It is difficult to find funding for,
requires many volunteers, and can be chaotic to the people who live there for a short
time. But in such a cold climate, the emergency shelter provided by Servants of Shelter,
Red Lake Shelter, Village of Hope, and People’s Church is life-saving. Until additional
homelessness prevention resources and affordable housing units are available, more
shelter beds are needed in Bemidji and surrounding areas.
3) Develop harm reduction housing models for homeless chronic alcoholics. Harm
reduction housing is designed to maximize access to housing and provide support to
minimize the loss of housing for people who use substances. Typically, individuals
appropriate for this type of housing have not been successful in mainstream housing or
have cycled in and out of homelessness due to the consequences of high-risk behaviors.7
Harm Reduction Housing Programs do not bar or eliminate substance users from housing.
This proven housing model often has the following benefits, in addition to vastly
improving the quality of life for those who are repeatedly homeless due to addiction:
 Free up beds in emergency rooms.
 Return law enforcement officers more quickly to patrol duties and reduce overtime.
 Provide a safe place for recovery from alcohol intoxication. Free up additional
space for jail inmates.
 Generate savings from a decrease in County Jail booking fees.
 Allow County Social Services to more efficiently intervene with chronic
inebriates.
7
Midwest Harm Reduction Institute, Harm Reduction Housing: Guidelines for Supportive Housing Staff,
ww.heartlandalliance.org/mhri/about-us/brochure-harm-reduction-housing.pdf
Page | 11
In the City of Bemidji, 25-40 units of harm reduction housing are needed. Additional
harm reduction units are also needed on the Leech Lake and Red Lake reservations.
4) Create permanent supportive housing for high-barrier homeless adults without

children. Supportive housing includes a range of approaches that include single sites
or scattered site programs. Participants receive rental subsidies, case management, and
support services.Services in supportive housing are flexible and primarily focused on
the outcome of housing stability, often delivered by case managers or inter‐disciplinary
teams, and may include services to address mental health, substance abuse, health, and
employment needs.8 Evaluations of permanent supportive housing, implemented in a
range of communities for chronically homeless people and homeless people with
disabilities, have demonstrated significant improvements in housing stability, reductions
in days of homelessness, and reductions in the utilization and costs of public services
such as emergency shelter, hospital emergency room and inpatient care. In the City of
Bemidji, at least 50 units are needed for homeless adults without children.
5) Expand permanent supportive housing for homeless families. Conifer Estates has a
very successful supportive housing model. It includes affordable rent paired with
services from Leech Lake, Red Lake and Bi-Cap to stabilize families and assist them to
achieve goals in employment, education, parenting. Currently, few families leave Conifer
Estates for other housing so there is little turnover. Programs like this aim to ensure
housing stability and to improve the quality of life for families by helping them to
become economically independent. A 2013 evaluation of permanent supportive housing
for families indicated that comprehensive supportive housing programs following a best-
practice model can provide homeless parents and their children with stable living for a
significant period of time. Supportive housing programs also give parents an opportunity
to find and maintain employment, work on their education, save a substantial amount of
money for move-out costs, learn daily living skills, experience a real-world living
situation and prevent re-entry into the child welfare system.9 In the City of Bemidji, 50-
100 units of permanent supportive housing are needed for homeless families,
Parents dealing with a housing crisis, who are uncertain each and every night where they
will stay, will have difficulty being as attentive and responsive to young children’s need
for stimulation and interaction as they might require. The experience of homelessness
and the trauma and uncertainty that accompany it disrupt an important period of time in
young children’s development – time that cannot be recaptured. 10 For these reasons, and
because of the barriers faced by young families who are homeless, key informants
identified young parents as a high need population for permanent supportive housing
along with parents who dealing with domestic abuse, mental illness and/or substance
abuse.
8
http://usich.gov/resources/uploads/asset_library/BkgrdPap_ChronicHomelessness.pdf
9
http://www.sierrahealth.org/assets/pubs/Cottage_Housing_Report_May_2013_Web.pdf
10
http://www.endhomelessness.org/library/entry/investing-in-our-future-mckinney-vento-homeless-assistance-
grants
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IV. Homeless Chronic Inebriates
A. Definition
There is no commonly accepted precise definition for the term “chronic public inebriate” or
“chronic homeless inebriate”. The following definition originally appeared in a 1993 report
prepared for the Seattle-King County (Washington) Department of Public Health, and was
referenced in a 1997 study by the State of Washington Joint Legislative Audit and Review
Committee, Chronic Public Inebriates Survey Report:
. . . an individual with a severe alcohol problem who is frequently drunk in public and/or has repeated encounters
with alcohol detoxification services and other public services, such as police, jail and court services, emergency
medical and emergency medical transportation services, public hospital emergency room care and involuntary
commitment services.
Because this report addresses the experience and needs of chronic alcoholics who are homeless,
the term “homeless chronic inebriate” is used.
B. Key Findings
 37 men and women, identified by the Bemidji Police Department, were responsible for
1,652 police calls in a two year period.
 These 37 homeless chronic inebriates had a total of 188 jail bookings in this two year period.
 In 2012, Beltrami County provided reimbursement for 147 detoxification stays. In 2013, the
County provided reimbursement for 123.
C. Data on Numbers and Public Costs of Chronic Inebriates
Beltrami County Health and Human Services

Substance abuse detoxification is the process through which a person who is physically
dependent on alcohol, illegal drugs, prescription medications, or a combination of these,
is withdrawn from the drugs of dependence. Detoxification is basically stabilization of
physiological functions
Minnesota counties are required to arrange for the provision of detoxification services
for anyone who requires them. There isn’t a detoxification center in Beltrami County;
Page | 13
the closest one is Pine Manor, Inc. in Nevis, MN. Pine Manor is reimbursed with
Beltrami County tax dollars, primarily for transportation costs.
 In 2012, Beltrami County reimbursed for 147 detoxification stays. In 2013, the
County reimbursed for 123.
Bemidji Police Department

The Bemidji Police Department reported data on police calls for 37 individuals they
identified as homeless chronic inebriates.
o Eight women and 29 men were identified.
o These 37 men and women were responsible for 1,652 police calls in a two year
period (January 1, 2012 – January 13, 2014). This is an average of 45
calls/person.
o One third of the police calls were for disorderly conduct (558 calls).
o Twelve percent of the police calls were for welfare checks (197 calls).
o These 37 people had a total of 188 jail bookings.
o There were 114 calls for medical reasons. This is 7% of all calls.
Number of Bemidji Police Calls Per Person

Homeless Chronic Inebriates
January 1, 2012 - January 13, 2014
120 115
114 114
105
86
71 74
56 55 53 52
45 48 48
38 40
29 32 35 34 29
35
22 26 25 23 25 19
8 13 13 8 11 9 11 11
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37
Page | 14
Homeless Chronic Inebriates
Bemidi Police Calls by Type of Call
Jan 1, 2012 - January 13, 2014
37 Individuals
Welfare Check
Weapons Offenses
Warrant
Violations/Court Orders
Vehicle Calls/Complaints
Tresspass
Training IRF
Traffic Stop
Theft
Suspicious
Suicide
Sex Crimes
Security Check
Robbery
Random
Public Relations
Property Damage
Property
Other
Ordinance Violations
Missing Persons
Medical
Juvenile/Status Crimes
Harassment
Fraud
Found
Family Matter - Non Criminal
Family Crimes
DWI
Drugs
Disturbing the Peace
Disorderly Conduct
Dead Body
Civil
Burglary
Assist
Assault
Animal
Agency Assist
Accident
911
0 100 200 300 400 500 600
Page | 15
D. Key Informant Themes
Over 30 individuals provided their opinions and expertise regarding homelessness in the Bemidji
area, or on the Leech Lake or Red Lake reservations. Common themes raised by interviewees are
highlighted in bold below. The phrases in italics are examples of some of the comments of
persons interviewed.
Numbers of Homeless Chronic Inebriates

 There are 20- 30 homeless chronic inebriates who live on the streets, and
occasionally in shelter, in Bemidji. 10 chronically inebriated men. 5-10 chronically
inebriated women. 8-10 different chronic inebriates/month come in to the Sanford Medical Center. 8
people sleeping in the park downtown. Police get 2-3 calls/day about homeless chronic inebriates.
There are about 15 different chronic inebriates/month in jail. There are 40 people annually at The
Restore House who leave and have no housing.
 There are also many chronic inebriates living at Red Lake and Leech Lake. 50-75
in Cass Lake. Almost all are native. Of all the single homeless adults at Leech Lake, about half have
chronic substance issues Some of the chronic inebriates in Bemidji are from Red Lake. We have had
10-20 chronic inebriates in Red Lake over the past few years.
 20- 40 housing units are needed for chronic inebriates in Bemidji. 20 beds needed. 40
beds are needed for chronic inebriates. 30 in Bemidji. 20 chronic inebriates in Bemidji. If you build 20
units, you will not overshoot the need and you won’t attract others to move here.
Challenges with Chemical Dependency Services

 Detoxification services are inadequate and/or too far away. There are no
detoxification resources in Bemidji or at Leech Lake. There is a need for 15-20 detox beds in Bemidji.
Clearwater County can’t get people into detox at Pine Manor. There is a need for 15-20 detox beds in
Bemidji.
 Alcoholism is a significant barrier for some homeless people. Rate of chemical

dependency is higher in Bemidji area. Drug of choice here is alcohol. Some people go to detox 60-70
times. We need a wet/dry house. Even the best programs will not achieve sobriety for everyone;
about 40% achieve sobriety.
 Opiates are a growing problem, especially on reservations. Suboxone/Methadone

treatment center closed. Use of pills is going down. Heroin is going up and meth is going up.
Page | 16
Lack of Drop-in Center or Warm Daytime Locations
 Bemidji lacks warm places for homeless individuals to spend time during the
day. People hang out in the library but it is closed on Sundays. Some go to the mall. People used to
sleep in the entry way of the law enforcement center. The Laundromat bathroom is now locked
because they didn’t want drunk people to use it. Need a 24 hour warm place. Where is it? How many
are going to die?
 Leech Lake also has homeless individuals looking for warm places to spend day-
time hours. White Earth Family Office operates as sort of a drop-in Center. They also try to find
people places to live. Need a place at Leech Lake where people can stay warm, have a locker, have a
cup of coffee, soak their feet, wash their clothes.
Limited Emergency Shelter

 There is not enough emergency shelter in Bemidji or at Red Lake. There is a need
for a shelter somewhere besides Bemidji. There are no turnaways at the People’s Church; people
sleep on the floor. Every time I have called the Red Lake Shelter or SOS Shelter, they have been full.
 There is no emergency shelter at Leech Lake. At one point there was a shelter, but it
closed. There are 25 people in the Cass Lake area who are living in a single mobile home trailer with a
wood stove and lanterns. They are chronic alcoholics. They go out and find each other and stay here.
A lot have family here. They won’t go to Bemidji.
 There are no emergency shelter options for individuals who have been drinking.
Red Lake Shelter is a sober facility. People cannot stay if they are inebriated. They double up or sleep
outside if the Red Lake shelter is full or if they are not sober. No alcohol or drugs are allowed at
S.O.S. shelter. Sobriety checks and bag searches take place.
 Homeless chronic inebriates spend time sleeping outside. One of the elders of the
chronic community lived in the back of her car for 2 years. We find them sleeping in doorways here (at
the White Earth Family Office). People sleep in Wal-mart parking lot.
History of Trauma, Disability, Co-Occurring Conditions
 So much fear. So much trauma. People are tough as nails. Some are the “super-homeless”; all
their lives they have never really had housing. It is hard to keep your spirituality when you are
around so many non-Indian people.
 Most have diagnosed or undiagnosed medical conditions. Lots of traumatic brain

injury. Undiagnosed Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Often chronic addiction, homelessness, and mental
Page | 17
health problems occur together. Harder to serve niche is adult male, adult single with mental health,
drug addiction or alcohol addiction
 All people deserve respect and care. People need opportunities to start to heal and to
learn to love themselves. People need to know that, wherever they are, they are important. Need a
program that is comforting, teaching, that accepts each person’s spirituality.
Revolving Door of Services

 Homeless chronic inebriates return to homelessness after stays in detox, jail or
the emergency room. People come out of jail. They end up back in jail or couch hopping. Last
strike is going to prison. Some do exit to the streets after a stay at Sanford Hospital.
 Housing options are few for individuals with chemical dependency, mental
illness, physical disabilities or all three challenges who are being discharged from
institutions. People are coming out of institutions with dual or triple diagnoses - -
developmental disability, mental illness, substance abuse. Because of their diagnoses or because of
their behavior, it is hard to find places for them to live after they’ve been in a hospital or treatment or
a mental health facility.
Costly Services
 Detox is very costly, very short term, and requires a transportation cost. If police
get a call for a chronic inebriate, and the individual asks for detox, police will call Pine Manor.
Address the costs of jail, police, detox. I know one man who was at Beltrami County Human Services
on Thursday; he went to detox; on Monday he was back from detox; on Tuesday, he was back
drinking and staying at People’s Church.
 Jail stays are expensive and more common on the winter. If they get arrested, we end up
with them in jail 2 times. It is more common to get arrested in the winter. There are about 15 different
chronic inebriates/month in jail.
 Homeless chronic inebriates often use hospital resources. Pine Manor Detoxification
Program (Park Rapids) is asking Police to take everyone to the hospital now before detox because of
high blood alcohol counts. We take them to hospital for a 72 hour hold and then Pine Manor comes
and gets them. If they can’t stand up, police call ambulance or take to hospital.
Page | 18
V. Homeless Adults Without Children
A. Definition
The definition of homelessness used for the Minnesota State-wide Homeless Survey is the same
one specified by the U.S. Congress in its most recent reauthorization of the Hearth Act in May
2009: A homeless person is anyone who:
1. lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence; and
2. has a primary nighttime residence that is a supervised, publicly- or privately-
operated temporary living accommodation, including emergency shelters,
transitional housing, and battered women’s shelters; or
3. has a nighttime residence in any place not meant for human habitation, such as
under bridges or in cars.
B. Key Findings
 The State-wide Homeless Survey identified 113 homeless adults without children in the NW
region in 2009 and 333 in 2012, an increase of 195%.
 Over half of all adults surveyed had been homeless for one year or more.
 42 homeless adults reported that they have served in the U.S. military.
 Most homeless adults are from the region or from Minnesota. 59% last had regular or
permanent housing in a town, city, or reservation in NW Minnesota. Another 15% last
had permanent housing in North Dakota.
 There are 95 adults without children on the waiting list for Section 8 rental vouchers in
Beltrami County.
C. Data on Homeless Adults Without Children
Minnesota State-wide Homeless Survey

Every three years since 1991, Wilder Research Center of the Amherst H. Wilder
Foundation has conducted a statewide study of people who are homeless or living in
temporary housing programs. In October 2012, nearly 1,300 volunteer interviewers
conducted face-to-face interviews with more than 4,500 people experiencing
homelessness throughout Minnesota. The statewide homeless study is based on two
sources of data: face-to-face interviews with adults and unaccompanied youth
experiencing homelessness, and a shelter census completed by the shelter providers.
Page | 19
 The 2009 Homeless Survey identified 393 people as homeless in the 12-county non-
reservation NW Minnesota region. The Red Lake Nation, the Leech Lake Band of
Ojibwe, and the White Earth Nation conduct separate counts of homeless people
living on-reservation.
 The 2012 survey identified 666 people as homeless in the region. The largest
increase was in the number of individuals without children.
 There were 113 homeless adults over the age of 18 in 2009 and 333 in 2012, an
increase of 195%.
 Homeless adults in NW Minnesota are disproportionately American Indian (37%).
 Most homeless adults are from the region or from Minnesota.

o 59% last had regular or permanent housing in Greater MN.
o Another 14% last had permanent housing in North Dakota.
o Another 7% last
had housing in Location of Last Regular/ Permanent
Minneapolis or
Housing
St. Paul.
Another State*
 42 homeless adults Montana
reported that they South Dakota
have served in the Nebraska
U.S. military. One Colorado
was a female. Of the Washington
42 veterans, 30 Florida
Iowa
were staying in California
emergency shelter; Illinois
North Dakota
 40% of the Greater Minnesota
St. Paul or Minneapolis
respondents had
spent one or more 0 100 200 300
nights of the past Number of Homeless Adults, NW Minnesota
month doubled up
in someone else’s
house, apartment, or room for economic reasons or because there was not a safe or
affordable place for them to rent or buy on their own.
 31% of adult respondents had spent one or more nights of the month outside, in a
vehicle or vacant building, or some other place not intended for housing. Most of
those had spent more than one week unsheltered, and 29 adults spent all 30 days
outside or in a place not intended for housing.
 Lack of stable housing is not a temporary situation but a long-term condition for
many people experiencing lack of housing in NW Minnesota. Over half (52%) of
all adults surveyed had been homeless for one year or more.
Page | 20
Family Homeless Prevention and Assistance Program
 For the two-year period 7/1/2011 – 6/30/2013, 425 total households (including 1,056
people) were assisted.
o 102 households were single adults over the age of 22 without children.
o 48% were homeless at the time of program entry.
 Of these 49 homeless adults:
o 28 (57%) met the definition of long-term
homelessness or had experienced multiple
episodes of homelessness.
FHPAP Program
History of Homelessness at Entry
for Single Adults 22+
1st time homeless and less

24% than 1 year without a home
43%
Long term: At least 1 year
33% OR at least 4 times in past 3
years.
Bemidji Housing and Redevelopment Authority

Bemidji Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) was created under the authority
of the City of Bemidji. The HRA of Bemidji manages Low Rent Public Housing
consisting of 100 1-bedroom apartments and twenty scattered site single family
dwellings. The HRA also manages the Section 8 Voucher program in Beltrami County.
The Section 8 Program (also known as Housing Choice Vouchers) subsidizes the rent in
private rental units to make it affordable for low income voucher-holders.
 There are currently 265 households on the waiting list for Section 8 in Beltrami
County. 60% of the households are currently homeless.
o 36% of households on the waiting list (95) are adults without children.
Approximately 57 of these waiting list applicants are currently homeless.
 For all households with Section 8 vouchers, the average annual income is $12,271.
Page | 21
Beltrami County Health and Human Services
Minn. Statutes authorize a peace or health officer to take a person "into custody and
transport the person to a licensed physician or treatment facility if the officer has reason
to believe, either through direct observation of the person’s behavior, or upon reliable
information of the person’s recent behavior and knowledge of the person’s past behavior
or psychiatric treatment, that the person is mentally ill or developmentally disabled and
in danger of injuring self or others if not immediately detained." 11
Beltrami County public and nonprofit agencies partner with organizations in Hubbard,
Clearwater, and Lake of the Woods Counties to operate a Mobile Crisis Team. They
transport individuals who require hospitalization and a 72-hour hold due to their crisis.
In 2013, two individuals were transported to detox; the rest were transported to a
hospital due to their mental health. Residents from the four-county area who require a
72-hour hold are primarily transported to Sanford Hospital – Thief River Falls, Sanford
Hospital – Fargo, or Prairie St. John’s – Fargo.
While information does not exist on the housing status of persons transported for 72-
hour holds, this data sheds light on the numbers of persons with a mental health crisis
who could potentially benefit from supportive housing that includes mental health
services. 12
72-HOUR HOLD TRANSPORTS PER COUNTY, 2013

25
20
15
10
0
Jan-13 Feb-13 Mar-13 Apr-13 May-13 Jun-13 Jul-13 Aug-13 Sep-13 Oct-13 Nov-13 Dec-13
BELTRAMI 21 23 17 23 23 21 17 18 19 20 18 20
HUBBARD 1 2 0 7 8 5 5 7 7 5 2 2
CLEARWATER 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
LOW 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0
11
https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/?id=253b.05
12
Data provided by Upper Minnesota Mental Health Center.
Page | 22
2013 (MAY-DEC) TRANSPORT MILES
ADULT/ADOLOLESCENTS
BC/BS BLUE PLUS MEDICARE
MN MA PRIMEWEST UCARE
OTHER SELF-PAY SOUTH COUNTRY
1%
5%
6%
14%
7%
2%
25%
17%
23%
As shown above, transportation costs for 48% of the clients are paid for with Minnesota
Medical Assistance (MA) or Medicare.

Over 30 individuals provided their opinions and expertise regarding homelessness in the Bemidji
area, or on the Leech Lake or Red Lake reservations. Common themes raised by interviewees are
highlighted in bold below. The phrases in italics are examples of some of the comments of
persons interviewed.
Numbers of Single Homeless Adults
 Homelessness affects at least 50 and possibly hundreds of individuals without

children in Bemidji. Homelessness is more than just the people you see. We have a huge need for
homeless single people. 50-100 beds would put a dent in the number of single people needing housing.
Veterans are doubled up and don’t consider themselves homeless.
 Homelessness affects many more adults without children on the Leech Lake
Reservation and Red Lake reservations. 50-60 different homeless people/month come in to
the White Earth Family Office; about 25% are White Earth enrollees. We have 25 campsites, with
between 1-15 people at each, around Leech Lake in the summer
Page | 23
 There are fewer resources for homeless singles compared to homeless families .
Biggest need is for singles. Singles in Bemidji are the least served; People’s Church is their only
resource. Single men are the hardest to place in this town (Bemidji). They have a history.
 50-75 beds of affordable housing are needed. Build 60 beds for singles. 50-75 units are
needed. It would get most of the people out of the People’s Church. 40-60 units of housing are needed.
Single homeless adults have nowhere to go.
Inadequate Emergency Shelter

 There is not enough emergency shelter in Bemidji or at Red Lake or Leech Lake.
We literally have no place to send people who have no housing. S.O.S. shelter is open November –
March; it is always close to full. People are sleeping on the floor at People’s Church.
 In the summer, people camp or sleep outside. It is mostly single adults at the
campgrounds. Leech Lake Band opens up the fairgrounds for tenting in the summer. People sleep
under the bridge in Bemidji or by the train depot or at Wal-mart. We have 25 campsites, with
between 1-15 people at each, around Leech Lake in the summer.
 Some individuals sleep outside in the winter . I survived the winter outside. There was a
guy with hypothermia staying at the People’s Church last night.
Lack of Available Small Housing Units
 There are few housing options for single people. There are very few 1 bedroom units for
single adults. It can take 1-2 years to get into an efficiency. Could add 10 people to the Long term
Homeless Services Project, but there are no housing units that are appropriate. There is not enough
rental housing for people who have a Section 8 voucher.
 There are even fewer housing options for single adults on reservations. Leech Lake
Housing has mostly 2 and 3 bedroom units. There aren’t units for single adults or single teens. Single
adults don’t have a lot of housing options at Red Lake.
Page | 24
History of Homelessness and Challenges with Income
and Disability
 Many homeless single adults have long histories of homelessness. Persistently, our
chronically homeless are singles. There are 50 people on the waiting list for Bi-Cap’s Long-term
Homelessness Services Project; people just keep coming in right now.
 Many homeless single adults have other barriers to living independently,

including mental illness, physical disabilities, substance abuse; and criminal
history. People applying for the Long Term Homeless Service project have mental health issues. A
small percentage have drinking issues. There are more and more people with mental health issues.
Just got out of jail. Criminal history is a huge barrier. Once you have an arrest record, forget it.
 Single homeless adults lack income to afford rent. Most have income of $203/month.
Rent is so high; it can be $1000 - $2000 to get into an apartment.
 Assistance with independent living skills are needed. Need to have a program that is
comforting, accepting, spiritual, and includes teaching on basic life skills such as paying bills. Need
rep payees. Need to eat better. Need to learn to cook. People need help filling out forms.
13
People’s Church
13
Photo credit: http://lptv.org/2014/01/07/
Page | 25
VI. Homeless Families with Children
A. Key Findings
 The 2012 Minnesota State-wide Homeless Survey identified 99 homeless families that
included 321 people in the 12-county non-reservation areas of NW Minnesota. There
were a total of 195 children in these families
 The Minnesota Department of Education reported 262 homeless children in the

Bemidji School District for the 2011-2012 school year.
 For the 2010-2011 school year, the Bemidji District had the 6th highest number of
homeless children (284) , after Minneapolis, St. Paul, Osseo, Rochester and Duluth.
 There were 412 students identified as homeless in all Beltrami County school districts
in 2010-2011.
 Although American Indian students made up 36% of the total students, they are 64% of
the homeless students. There were 265 American Indian homeless children in school
districts in Beltrami County in 2010-2011.
 Village of Hope, a 30 day emergency shelter in Bemidji, turned away 1,019 individuals,
including 569 children in 2013. 96% were turned away because the shelter was full.
 Of the families sheltered at Village of Hope, 80% have experienced multiple episodes
of homelessness.
 Families sheltered at Village of Hope predominantly are headed by young parents: 61%
were under 30 in 2013.
 141 parents and children (78% of all persons sheltered) were living in the residence of a
family member or with friends prior to entering Village of Hope Shelter in 2013.
 Only one-third of the individuals sheltered at Village of Hope were able to move onto
their own permanent rental housing upon leaving.
 In January 2014, there were 192 children coded as homeless and in families receiving
food or income assistance through Beltrami County Human Services.
Page | 26
B. Data Sources
2012 Minnesota State-wide Homeless Survey

 The 2012 Minnesota Statewide Homeless Survey identified 99 families that
included 321 people in the 12-county non-reservation areas of NW Minnesota.
There were a total of 195 children in these families. This is an increase of 19% from
the 269 people in families who were identified as homeless in the 2009 survey.
o By location, there were:
 52 families in Emergency Shelters, Battered Women’s Shelters or
Transitional Housing.
 47 families in non-shelter locations.
o By type of family, there were:

 7 male-headed families.
 65 female-headed families
 27 couples with children.
 In addition to the challenges faced by other homeless adults in the areas of

employment, health, and housing, homeless parents identified difficulties
experienced by their children:
o 56% of parents reported that their children had to change schools due to their
housing situation.
o 41% of parents said their children have learning or school problems.
o 32% were unable to obtain regular child care when needed in the past year.
o 11% of parents said their children have had to skip meals in the past month
because of a lack of money to buy food.
Growth of Homeless Families and

Children in NW Minnesota 2006-2009
200
180
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
2006 2006 2009 2009 2012 2012
Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of
Homeless Children in Homeless Children in Homeless Children in
Families Homeless Families Homeless Families Homeless
Families Families Families
Page | 27
McKinney-Vento Homeless Child Count
The McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act is a federal law that ensures
immediate enrollment and educational stability for homeless children and youth.
McKinney-Vento provides federal funding to states for the purpose of supporting
district programs that serve homeless students.
 The McKinney-Vento Act defines homeless children as "individuals who lack a fixed,
regular, and adequate nighttime residence”, such as:
o Children and youth sharing housing due to loss of housing, economic
hardship or a similar reason
o Children and youth living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camp grounds
due to lack of alternative accommodations
o Children and youth living in emergency or transitional shelters
o Children and youth whose primary night-time residence is not ordinarily
used as a regular sleeping accommodation (e.g. park benches, etc)
o Children and youth living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings,
substandard housing, bus or train stations
 The Minnesota Department of Education reported 262 homeless children in the

Bemidji School District for the 2011-2012 school year.
 For the 2010-2011 school year, when a more comprehensive Homeless Student Count
Report was available from the Department, 284 children were identified as homeless
in the Bemidji School District..
o This was 4.7% of all enrolled students.
o The Bemidji District had the 6th highest number of homeless children, after
Minneapolis, St. Paul, Osseo, Rochester and Duluth.
 Overall, for the 2010-2011 school year, there were 412 homeless children enrolled in
school in Beltrami County.
o There were 364 children (88%) living with their parents(s); 39 living with
another adult (9%); and 7 living on their own (2%).
o There were 156

children Living Situation of Homeless
staying in an Students in Beltrami County
emergency
shelter ; 248 Public Schools, 2010-2011
doubled up 0% 1% Sheltered
with other Doubled Up
friends/family; 39%
Unsheltered
5 staying in a 60%
hotel, and 1 Hotel/Motel
child
unsheltered.
Page | 28
o Although American Indian students made up 36% of the total students, they
were 64% of the homeless students. There were 265 American Indian
homeless children.
Comparison of Background of All

Beltrami County Students with All Homeless
Students 2010-2011
70.0%
60.0%
50.0%
40.0%
30.0%
20.0%
10.0%
0.0%
PERCENT of PERCENT of PERCENT of PERCENT of PERCENT of PERCENT
TOTAL Students - Homeless - TOTAL Students - Homeless - Black TOTAL Students - Homeless - White
American Indian American Indian Black White
Beltrami County Human Services
Through intake data, Beltrami County Human Services can determine the incidence of
homelessness among active participants receiving services through the following
programs: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); Minnesota Family
Investment Program (MFIP); Diversionary Work Program (DWP); General Assistance
(GA); and Minnesota Supplemental Aid
(MSA).
Active Cases Per Program,
In January 2014, theses programs January 2014
included 651 cases with participants
who were coded as homeless. (Some 523
households may be receiving more than one
program and would be counted more than once.)
72 35 17
Overall, in January 2014, there were 665 4
adults and 192 children coded as
homeless and receiving one or more of SNAP MFIP DWP GA MSA
these 5 programs through Beltrami
County Human Services.
Page | 29
Village of Hope
Village of Hope House of Hospitality in Bemidji provides temporary shelter and

supportive services for families experiencing homelessness. Families can stay for up to
90 days.
 There were 45 families sheltered in 2013. At entry:

o 24 were literally homeless (53%); 21 were at imminent risk of homelessness (47%).
o 9 families were homeless for the first time; 22 reported long-term homelessness
(continuous homelessness for one year or four episodes in three years); and 14 have
experienced multiple episodes of homelessness but don’t meet the definition of
long-term homelessness.
o 19 families were staying for the first time. 26 had stayed at Village of Hope before.
 The families sheltered in 2013 included 181 individuals:

o There were 46
women, 26
men, and 109 Village of Hope
children. History of Homelessness at
o 145 individuals
(80%) were Entry
Native
American. 1st Time Homeless
o 29 of 72 adults 31%
20%
(40%) Long-term Homeless
completed a
high school 49% Homeless Multiple
diploma or Times
higher.
o 7 women
(26%) were 18-21 years old. Overall, 45% of women sheltered were under the age
of 30.
o 3 men (12%) were 18-21. Overall, 72% of men sheltered were under the age of 30.
 Individuals sheltered had the following living situations prior to admission to the
Village of Hope:
o 109 individuals (60%) were living in the residence of a family member.
o 32 (18%) were living with friends.
o 20 (11%) were living in a place not meant for habitation.
 Adults had the following income sources:

o 16 (22%) had income from wages.
o 15 (20%) had cash assistance from MFIP.
o 7 received Social Security Income, Social Security Disability, or RSDI.
o 2 received tribal benefits.
o 26 (36%) had no source of income.
Page | 30
 A total of 163 people exited
Village of Hope in 2013.
Village of Hope
o 52 people moved to Destination of Guests at Exit
permanent housing. (32%) 2013
o 46 moved to a rental
unit with a subsidy. Permanent Housing
o 64 people moved in with
family or friends. (39%) 1% 3%
Family or Friends -
o The destination of 23 people Permanent
(14) was unknown. 7%
Family or Friends-
o 11 people moved to Temporary
10% 35%
transitional housing. (7%)
o 5 people moved to a hotel Unknown
8%
(3%).
Transitional
Housing
 Of the 44 families that exited: 36%
o 20 (45%) were stably housed. Other Emergency
Shelter Option
o The other 24 were literally
homeless (1); at risk of literal Hotel
homelessness (14); unstably
housed and at risk of losing
housing (5); or their destination was unknown (4).
 There were 21 homeless families on the waiting list in October 2013.

The Family Homeless Prevention and Assistance Program (FHPAP) provides assistance
to prevent and reduce the length of homelessness for families and individuals. The
program can provide emergency rent assistance to households facing eviction. Support
is also available for the currently homeless, and they can receive funds for paying
security deposits, first month’s rent, utility payment assistance and ongoing case
management.
 FHPAP Partners in Beltrami and Cass Counties include Bi-County Community

Action Program, Evergreen Transitional Housing for Youth, and Red Lake.
 For the two-year period 7/1/2011 – 6/30/2013, 425 households (including 1,056
o 224 households were families headed by an adult over 22.
o Housing status at program entry was:

 46% (481 people): unstably housed and at-risk of losing their housing.
 35% (360 people): literally homeless
 13% (133 people); imminently losing their housing.
Page | 31
o The night prior to participating in FHPAP:
 29% of households (125 hhs) were living with a family member or friend;
 19% were in emergency shelter;
 17% were in rental housing with no subsidy;
 15% were in rental housing with a subsidy;
 11% were in a house they owned;
 5% (20 hhs) were living in a place not meant for human habitation.
 History of Homelessness at Program Entry:

o Of 224 adult-headed families at program entry:
 Not currently homeless: 48% (107 families)
 Long-term homeless (homeless for 1-year or 4 times in 3 years): 26% (58 families)
 1st time homeless: 19% (42 families)
 Multiple-times homeless (but not meeting definition of long-term homeless): 8%
Service Statistics and Waiting Lists
 Village of Hope House of Hospitality Emergency Shelter

o Turned away 461 children, 225 women and 101 men in 2012.
o Turned away 1019 individuals, including 569 children in 2013.
o 21 families on waiting list – December 2013.
 Conifer Estates (20 town home units of permanent supportive housing)

o 90 families on waiting list – October 2013.
o Waiting list is one year.
 Beltrami County Housing and Redevelopment Authority – Section 8

o 64% of households (170 families) on the waiting list are families with
children. Approximately 102 of these waiting list applicants are currently
homeless.
 Churches United – emergency assistance to low income people

o 55 families with 83 children were served in 2012.
o 62 families with 99 children were served in 2013.
Page | 32
Conifer Estates
C. Key Informant Themes
More affordable and supportive housing is needed.
 Available units are not affordable for many families in need of housing. We need
some housing for families. Five bedroom house rents for $1,500. We have a lot of newer apartments in
Bemidji, but not for low income families. People don’t have enough $ for heat.
 Many families need affordable housing with supportive services to help them
stabilize in housing. We need 100-200 units for families with kids - - all supportive. We could
fill 3 or more Conifer Estates. We need a building for women and kids. We need 100s of units for
families in Beltrami County. 100% of the families in the Parent Outreach Program (25-30 families)
have housing problems.
 There can be a mismatch between family size and vacant units. Families have a
voucher, but no place to go with it, especially if you have more than 2 children. We need multi-
generational housing.
 Rental units with lower rents are often in poor quality. Housing is substandard. No
rental code in Beltrami County. Housing stock is old. The housing is terrible. Wind blowing through.
See through the trailers.
Emergency Shelter Options are Few
 Families often double-up when they lose their housing, especially on

reservations. There were 17 people under one roof on the reservation. Another house has 15 people
living in it. Families can typically double-up, especially at reservations. Currently, there are 2 or 3
homeless families in Cass Lake; they have been placed with families.
 Some homeless families live in car, tents, or places not meant for human
habitation. Prior to Village of Hope, homeless families are living in cars, tents, couch-hopping, or
staying with not-so-great families. There were 26 people (in families) living in Cass Lake School this
summer.
Page | 33
Some Families have Significant Challenges to Living
Independently.
 There are very few resources for families impacted by addiction, and the
problem is growing. Half have substance abuse issues. In the Obstetrics department, we see a
significant # of prescription drug users. We place 50 “holds” on babies/year. This is a higher need
than chronic single alcoholics.
 Families with mental health challenges need additional support and services to
live independently. There are more and more families with mental health issues. Housing is
needed for young parents with mental health issues.
 Domestic abuse is prevalent and a barrier for families. Domestic violence/domestic

abuse is very high in the Bemidji community. “So much loss” with these families.
Homeless Families have Resources but Not Enough.
 There are more services and housing options for homeless families than for
homeless single adults. Families have help established for them. We’ve made some progress with
homeless families in Bemidji, but not with homeless singles.
 Most services and housing options that exist do not end homelessness. There are
more services for homeless families than homeless individuals, but it’s a revolving door. “Shuffling
one to the right”.
 Once housed, families need support and skills to remain stable. If families are
mentally capable, they may have housing and need skills to manage it. We need housing units with a
case manager working with people and checking with them, “Do you need help getting to
appointments”, “Do you know about the food shelf?” + transportation, + education on what’s a good
relationship and what’s a safe relationship + dealing with loss + child care.
Page | 34
VI. Homeless Youth and Young Adults
In 2010, the report, “Youth and Young Adult Homelessness in a Five County Region of
Northwestern Minnesota” was researched and written by Wendy Kalass Thompson.
This document thoroughly identifies the needs of homeless young people in the 60-mile radius of
Bemidji; describes available resources for youth without housing; and offers recommendations
for better meeting the needs of homeless youth. These recommendations were:
1. Develop single-site housing with intensive case management, on-site services, and
connections to community resources, with prioritization for homeless parenting and
pregnant young adults.
2. Address the severe shortage of emergency shelter beds for homeless young people.
Because the region has a rich resource on youth homelessness in the “Youth and Young Adult
Homelessness” report, this assessment did not attempt to thoroughly address the numbers and
needs of youth without housing. But, because many key informants identified youth as a high
need population in the discussions about homelessness, their numbers and needs are also
highlighted in this report.
A. Definition
The Runaway and Homeless Youth Act (RHYA) defines homeless youth as individuals who are
“not more than 21 years of age…for whom it is not possible to live in a safe environment with a
relative and who have no other safe alternative living arrangement.” This definition includes only
those youth who are unaccompanied by families or caregivers. 14
B. Key Findings
 The Minnesota State-wide Homeless Survey identified 27 young adults age 18-21 without
children in 2009 and 78 in 2012. This is an increase of 288%
 The Survey identified 27 families headed by young adults age 18-21 in 2009 and 22 in 2012.
 The Family Homeless Prevention and Assistance Program served 99 households headed by
youth age 21 or younger in a two-year period, with 70% homeless at program entry.
 Nearly three-quarters (74%) of the youth assisted with FHPAP had experienced multiple
episodes of homelessness.
14
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2008
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C. Recent Data on Homeless Youth
2012 Minnesota Statewide Homeless Survey

The 2012 State-wide Homeless Survey identified 107 homeless youth, ages 18-21 in the
NW 12-county region. This is an increase of 67% from the 64 identified in 2009. NW
Minnesota has a higher percentage of its homeless population in this age group (19%)
than does the Twin Cities Metro area (12%) or State-wide (14%).
Of homeless youth/young adults without children:
 There were 11 unaccompanied minors under the age of 18 without children in 2009
and 13 in 2012.
 There were 27 young adults age 18-21 without children in 2009 and 78 in 2012. This
is an increase of 288%
Of homeless youth/young adults with children:
 The number of families headed by youth under the age of 18 was 4 in 2009 and 3 in
2012.
 The number of families headed by young adults age 18-21 was 27 in 2009 and 22 in
2012.
 There were 4 unaccompanied minors under the age of 18 with children in 2009 and 3
in 2012.
 There were 35 young adults age 18-21 with children in 2009 and 29 in 2012, a decrease
of 17%.

For the two-year period ending June 30, 2013, 425 total households (including 1,056
 99 were households headed by youth age 21 or younger.

o 69 of these households (70%) were homeless at program entry.
o Of these, 51 (74%) had experienced multiple episodes of homelessness.
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Emergency Shelter Options are Limited

 More emergency shelter beds are needed for single youth. Homeless youth have
nowhere to go in surrounding communities - - Bagley, Blackduck. Cass Lake Drop-in Center is
an entry point. Five homeless youth were camping this summer. Some youth 16-22 stay at the
People’s Church. 15 homeless youth who are couch-hopping in the Bemidji area.
Young Teen Parents are a Priority Concern.

 Bemidji has a high rate of teen parents. Bemidji area’s teen parent rate is 2-3 times higher
than other parts of Minnesota. Young moms go to Village of Hope. As there is no shelter for single
young adults, this creates pressure to get pregnant.
 Homeless young parents have multiple challenges to housing stability. Young

people with kids have credit problems.
 Single young mothers are a priority population. Housing for young parents with children
is an acute housing need in the Bemidji area. 100% of the families in the Parent Outreach Program
have housing problems.
Early Intervention is Important.
 Acting early with young homeless families can prevent long-term homelessness.
Service providers want to keep young families from spiraling into chronic homelessness.
 Homeless youth need support to make it on their own. There are young people who are
single and just can’t get on their feet. Plenty turn 22 and end services, but many still need services
and Evergreen continues to work with them after they turn 22.
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VIII. Key Informant Interview Responses
The following are the comments of key informants interviewed for this project, as noted by the
researcher asking the questions. The comments are the opinions of the key informants, and have
not been verified by the researcher or Center City Housing Corporation.
A. Available Resources
1. Churches United
 Budget of $50,000/year
2. Servants of Shelter
 Revolving 20 beds
 No alcohol or drugs allowed. Sobriety checks. Bag searches
 80 volunteers each week.
 Only open November 1 – March 31
 No sexual predators.
 You can stay if you are not inebriated, but not if you are disruptive.
 Some people at S.0.S are scared to stay at People’s Church.
 Some people go to both SOS and People’s Church.
 Rule-bound
3. People’s Church
 No turnaways
 People sleeping on the floor
 Small kitchen: People bring a meal a day.
 Mostly singles, but once in a while there is a family with children.
 People pool their food stamps and cook and clean.
 We are totally grassroots
4. Salvation Army
 Occasionally we use a voucher for a motel from the Salvation Army.
5. Bi-Cap
 Long-term Homeless Services Project
o Case management with long-term housing through vouchers
o 64 vouchers
o 72 vouchers?
 47 in Bemidji
 HUD Supportive Housing
o Permanent housing for homeless households – scattered site housing
o Permanent housing for chronic homeless households – scattered site
housing
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 FHPAP
 Housing Locator Service for Persons with Mental Illness
o Contract with the County
o Beltrami County refer people who are mentally ill to the housing locator
o Housing locator helps individuals find housing.
o Utilized Bridges vouchers.
 Housing Locator Service at Village of Hope
o Use Bi-Cap vouchers and rent assistance to help shelter residents move
into permanent housing.
 Transitional Housing
o 16 units – properties owned and managed by Bi-Cap
 9 units in Beltrami County
 8 units in Bemidji
 1 in Blackduck
 R.A.P. Rental Assistance Program
o 27 vouchers
o 16-17 in Bemidji
o Very high demand for this program.
6. Village of Hope
 Serve 35 people a year?
 6 unit family shelter
 Only take families or pregnant women
 30, 60 or 90 day program.
 Need to find work or have some kind of income.
7. Conifer Estates
 Partnership between Bi-Cap, Red Lake, and Leech Lake, which provide services
 20 units including caretaker
 Families
 3 units are transitional housing; 16 are homeless (long-term).
 Bi-Cap provides services to 3 TH units and 6 long-term homeless units.
8. Emergency Mental Health Crisis Beds/URTs beds
9. Upper Mississippi Mental Health Center
 Crisis beds
 Re-entry program.
o Just getting started.
10. Spruce Woods
 Temporary living facility for mental health.
11. C.B.H.H.
 State-run community behavioral mental health hospital
12. Pine Manor Detox
 30 days
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 In Park Rapids
 20-30 beds
 8 detox beds
 Take them to hospital for 72 hour hold and then Pine Manor comes and gets
them.
13. Lakes Chemical Dependency
 Adult groups
 Jail group
 DWI clinics
 Individual education
 Juvenile Center
14. Oshki Manitou
 Native American Residential treatment for pregnant women
15. Hope House
16. Anishinabe Legal Services
 Social Security Disability applications
 Receives lots of referrals from ARMHS
 It takes 20-60 hours/case for Social Security applications.
17. Leech Lake Adult Rehabilitative Mental Health Services (ARMHS)
18. Assertive Community Treatment - Northern Pines Mental Health
19. Leech Lake Behavioral Health
20. Leech Lake Opiate Program
21. Leech Lake Women’s Shelter
 Sometimes puts domestic violence victims up in a hotel.
22. Leech Lake Men’s Halfway House
23. Detox – Thief River Falls
24. Red Lake Shelter and Housing Programs
 Started out as a shelter 7 years ago
o Seven rooms
o People can stay up to 30 days.
o Serve anybody that is looking for shelter. First come first serve.
o Lots of inquiries from all over the state.
o Almost always full.
o No other options in Red Lake. Refer to S.O.S. shelter or GRACE house.
o Provide case management to shelter residents and other homeless people.
o Offer day services: meals, showers
o Sober facility. People cannot stay if they are inebriated. Law enforcement
is called.
 Supportive Housing
o Lease agreement at Conifer Estates
o three 3-bedroom, one 2-bedroom, one 1-bedroom.
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o Tenants pay 30% of gross income.
o Red Lake Housing subsidizes the rent.
o Red Lake provides a case manager for these units.
o 14 units of supportive housing developed with the 811 program?
 Long Term Homeless Vouchers
o 14 vouchers
o Can take a while to find housing based on the barriers of the client
 Supportive Housing Vouchers
o 6 vouchers through HUD SHP
o 3 for individuals experiencing chronic homelessness
o 3 for individuals who are homeless and have a disability
 Supportive Services for Veteran Families
o 22 families with a veteran have been served with services.
o The Shelter has a staff person providing the services for this program
which serves Red Lake and Leech Lake and White Earth.
o MACV provides services, including some housing in the NW region.
o Most of the families are doubled up and trying to get their own housing.
25. Nameless Coalition for the Homeless
 Trying to expand services and shelter available at The People’s Church
o Trying to have 2 volunteers to stay during the day to focus on people who
aren’t staying at night.
o S.O.S is going to drop people off at The People’s Church during the day.
o Formed 5 committees (Volunteer Recruitment, Food and Donations,
Volunteer Training, Fundraising and Outreach, Stopgap Solutions)
26. Beltrami County – Parent Outreach Program
 For families with at least one child age 10 or under, with no child under a
protective order. Most parents are over the age of 18.
 Voluntary program.
 Referrals from hospital, WIC nurses, school.
 Many of the program participants are homeless.
 80 referrals/year. 25-30 families in the program.
27. Episcopal Church

 Diapers, boots, coats, gifts for children at Leech Lake.
28. Recovery Plus
 One of the few places that will take a pregnant mom.
29. Gifts of Love
 Gifts for children on the reservation
30. White Earth Family Office

 Operating as sort of a drop-in Center.
 Try to find people places to live
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 Partial food shelf
 Calls
 Support and connection.
 Food vouchers every 6 months
31. Community Behavioral Health Hospital (CBHH)

 a 16-bed facility.
 short-term, acute inpatient psychiatric services
32. Restore House Inc.

 faith based chemical dependency treatment home
 two houses
 12 people served every 60 days
 In-patient treatment
 Rule 31 licensed addiction treatment
B. Current Service Statistics

1. Churches United
 Serving 35-40 people/month.
 In July, it was 56, so need is really growing.
2. Conifer Estates
 98% of residents are American Indian.
 Very little turnover.
3. People’s Church
 20 stay a night. Last night we had 25
 There are about 4 people who have staying there for 3 years or more.
 See a lot of males with cd issues
5. Leech Lake Opiate Program
 There are more females in this program.
6. White Earth Family Office
 50-60 different homeless people/month come in to the Office.
 About 25% are White Earth enrollees.
 There was one homeless family.
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C. Waiting Lists
1. Village of Hope
 21 on waiting list
2. Conifer Estates
 90 on waiting list
 Waiting list is one year; a few hundred
3. Section 8
 1 year wait
 There is not enough rental housing for people to use their voucher at.
4. Bi-Cap Long Term Homeless Services Project
 50 on the waiting list
 People just keep coming in right now.
 Have to turn people away because they don’t have a funding source to serve all
people who may have a case for Social Security Disability, especially people with
a mental health disability.
D. Overall Housing/Homeless Needs
1. No Drop-in Center
 People hang out in the library. But it is closed on Sundays.
 Some go to the mall.
 People used to sleep in the entry way of the law enforcement center.
 The Laundromat bathroom is now locked because they didn’t want drunk people
to use it.
 There is a need for a drop in center for singles.
 We have challenges downtown Bemidji with our businesses. Panhandling,
drunkenness can be scary for tourists, people trying to use local businesses.
 Need a 24 hour warm place. Where is it?
 How many are going to die?
 They are taken to People’s Church or the hospital.
 Many spend part of the day at the public library in Bemidji. This can be a
challenge for library staff.
 We need a Day Center. Run by a non-profit.
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2. Not Enough Emergency Shelter
 Leech Lake Band opens up the fairgrounds for tenting in the summer
 Sometimes Leech Lake offers discounted hotel rooms
 People sleep under the bridge in Bemidji
 People sleep by the train depot
 We literally have no place to send people who have no housing.
 Most people that call want a hotel room for the night.
 In the summer, people camp. It is mostly single adults at the campgrounds.
 “I survived the winter outside”.
 Cass Lake pow wow grounds are a camp.
 We had 6 tents in one area where we all stayed.
 It’s mostly singles in the campground.
 There was a guy with hypothermia staying at the People’s Church last night.
 Lots of people doubling up in Bemidji.
 There is a need for a shelter somewhere besides Bemidji.
 Shelter is most critical need at Leech Lake. Some are using a dilapidated trailer.
 People’s Church has been providing much needed shelter. It is meeting a service
than no one else is doing.
 When someone has no place to stay, we call the County because no one is
supposed to be without a roof over their head. But often they don’t get
emergency assistance.
 We can take a half day to transport someone to the Red Lake Shelter or GRACE
House shelter in Grand Rapids, but they stay one night and leave because it is not
their community.
 “It’s hard to keep your spirituality when you are around so many non-Indian
people.”
 Homeless people double up or sleep outside at Red Lake if the shelter is full or if
they are not sober.
 We find them sleeping in doorways here (at the White Earth Family Office).
 Homelessness at Cass Lake is a huge problem.
 They don’t want a shelter at Leech Lake.
 Shelter is the most critical need. Currently using a dilapidated trailer.
 Every time I have called the Red Lake Shelter or the SOS Shelter, they have been
full.
 It’s getting harder and harder to get in.
 More shelter is needed.
 People sleep in Wal-mart parking lot.
 People used to sleep in the doorway at the Sheriff’s Department.
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 S.O.S. rotates from church to church. Participants need to be sober. Need a more
permanent solution. S.O.S Shelter is only open November –March. It is always
close to full.
 People’s Church is here for the most vulnerable.
 A family stayed here (People’s Church) for a year and a half. Mom and kids.
 It can be a public health nuisance when people camp along the railroad tracks in
Bemidji. There are no bathroom facilities, and the camp is along the river.
 We need additional homeless shelter for single males. Village of Hope is for
families, and there is not even enough room for homeless families.
 There was a shelter at Leech Lake but it closed.
 We send homeless people to the shelters at Red Lake and Grand Rapids. Rarely
hotels.
3. Transportation Problems
 No transportation on Sundays.
 Housing locators have to drive people around so they can find housing.
 People still hitchhike between Cass Lake and Bemidji.
 Bemidji has better transportation resources: Paul Bunyan transit.
 People need transportation to get food and jobs.
 There is no regular transportation between Red Lake and Bemidji.
 Red Lake tribe used to offer gas vouchers but no longer does.
 Mayor of Cass Lake will give people rides.
 Transportation is a big problem in Bemidji. There is very limited bussing. It is not
ideal for a person with a job. It is not ideal for people to get to appointments.
4. Lack of Housing and Affordable Housing.
 Average rent = $675

 Average income = $1000
 Could add 10 people to the Long term Homeless Services Project, but there are no
housing units that are appropriate.
 Housing affordability is a huge issue.
 Housing is hard to find.
 Section 8 is hard to find.
 Decent housing is so hard to find.
 Vacancy rate is low.
 Section 8 vouchers expired before people can find housing.
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 During the recession, people left homes they owned and became renters, so there
is more demand for available housing.
 Even with housing locators, it is difficult to find rental housing.
 There are very few 1 bedroom units for single adults.
 Organizations have developed tax credit applications for more multifamily rental
housing but they have not been funded. We don’t score high enough.
 Background check fees are $20 or more.
 It can take 1-2 years to get into an efficiency.
 There are no options for single people.
 5 bedroom house rents for $1,500.
 Lots of people doubling up in Bemidji.
 There were 17 people under one roof on the reservation.
 Lots of apartment complexes only let people have overnight guests for 2 nights.
 Leech Lake Housing has mostly 2 and 3 bedroom units. There aren’t units for
single adults or single teens. Individual rental houses. No multifamily units.
 There are 754 households on the waiting list for housing at Leech Lake. Mostly
age 18-40. Mostly families.
 Very few single units at Leech Lake.
 Single adults don’t have a lot of housing options at Red Lake.
 Rent is so high. It can be $1,000 - $2,000 to get in to an apartment.
 Rent a 5 bedroom house for $1,500. Eight people live here to make the rent.
 We have a lot of newer apartments in Bemidji, but not for low income families.
 Families have a voucher, but no place to go with it, especially if you have more
than 2 children.
 It costs $1,800 to move in.
5. Poor Quality Housing/Damages by Tenants to

Rental Housing
 No rental code in Beltrami County.

 Housing stock is old.
 The housing in Track 33 and 34 is terrible. Wind blowing through. See through
the trailers.
 I have been a landlord. It is extremely frustrating to deal with tenant’s
extraordinary messes.
 Need to address landlord restitution.
 One landlord doesn’t want to pay a rental license fee, so he “sells” houses on a
contract for deed. I know of three families that have gone through (and lost) this
one unit.
Page | 46
 Another house has 15 people living in it.
 I helped a client look for housing for six months. What she found, “I wouldn’t let
my dog stay there.”
 We need a building for moms and kids.
 Housing in Cass Lake is inadequate.
6. Barriers to Housing
 Criminal history is a huge barrier.
 Once you have an arrest record, forget it.
 You can’t get Section 8 if you have had a felony.
 In the Red Lake Long-term Homelessness program, if you have a felony, it is very
difficult to find housing, even with the voucher.
 There are no housing options for criminal sex offenders. Recidivism would be
reduced if there was housing.
7. High Utility Costs
 One utility company raised rates 40%.

 People can’t afford phones.
 People don’t have enough $ for heat.
 There is not enough Energy Assistance funds.
 Heat Share does not have enough $.
 Sometimes you are paying $400-$900 for electric bills.
8. Racism/Discrimination
 It is seen as an “Indian Problem” and not a ‘Community Problem”.
 No money for racial justice in this community.
 We see the class issues.
 People don’t want to hear from us.
 Racism.
9. Lack of employment/Low-wage Employment

 Wal-mart and Sanford are the biggest employers
 You can’t make enough at Wal-mart.
Page | 47
 I applied at 17 places, 4 times/place and still couldn’t get a job. I have an 18 month
work history.
 45% unemployment in Leech Lake.
 There is a temporary labor service by the lumberyard.
 Most people can work through the Workforce Center.
 We need every worker in Bemidji. We need everyone to be a contributing
member.
10. Low Education Levels

 Most people who become homelessness have not graduated from High School.
 How do we help people get the training to get them out of the hole, and start to
lift them out of poverty?
11. Poverty
 We’re poor.
 Food stamps are being cut back.
 Tribal police brought in 2 people who hadn’t eaten in days.
 We gave out 150 winter coats in 3 weeks.
 We have lots of need. There are many low income people in Bemidji and on the
three surrounding reservations.
12. Service Barriers

 For Rule 25 chemical dependency assessment, you need to have an address
 If you are involved with DWI court, you need to have an address
 There are more and more mental health issues.
 There are no Board and Lodging facilities.
 There are people representing 58 tribes in Bemidji, as documented by the School
System. Only two tribes are eligible for outpatient or inpatient health care.
 People need help filling out forms.
 If you don’t get your verifications in to the county, you get booted and it can take
2 months to get this straightened out.
 Volunteer hours are required. If people can’t abide by this requirement, they lose
their housing support.
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13. Chemical Dependency/Lack of Chemical
Dependency Services
 No inpatient treatment here
 No detox in Bemidji
 A detox is needed in Bemidji.
 There may be a physician at Physician’s Clinic who would be a medical partner
for a detox.
 Rate of chemical dependency is higher in Bemidji area.
 Drug of choice here is alcohol.
 Opiates are a growing problem, especially on reservations.
 Some people go to detox 60-70 times.
 We have outpatient treatment at Red Lake. Inpatient treatment is in Redby.
 No detox at Leech Lake.
 Suboxone/Methadone treatment center closed.
 Clearwater County can’t get people into detox at Pine Manor.
 There is a need for 15-20 detox beds in Bemidji.
 Northern Lights graveyard shift is the meth haven of the world.
 Use of pills is going down. Heroin is going up and meth is going up.
 Heroin is bad in White Earth.
 Drug of choice in Beltrami County is alcohol, marijuana, meth.
 In the OB department, we see a significant # of prescription drug users. We place
50 “holds” on babies/year. This is a higher need than chronic single alcoholics.
 Recovery Plus is one of the few places that will take pregnant women.
14. Chronic Conditions

 Lots of Traumatic Brain Injury
 Undiagnosed Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
15. Lack of Resources or Services

 Churches on Leech Lake reservation don’t have money to help.
 Once people get into housing, they need budgeting and case management
services.
 Food shelf in Cass Lake has closed.
 We need more funding for prevention.
Page | 49
16. Build on Current Services and Housing
 Conifer Estates is a fantastic model.

 Key is the partnership with tribes.
 We have great resources for housing and services in Bemidji. We just don’t have
enough resources.
 Bi-Cap and Evergreen do a great job.
 Bemidji is rich in community leadership.
17. Few Options for People Leaving Institutions
 The County has to try and place an average of 1 person a week who is coming out
of an institution and needs a housing placement. Most have at least two
diagnoses – chemical dependency, mental health, developmental disability.
 The County has a logjam of people that the State is trying to move out of high-
level settings.
E. Homeless Chronic Inebriates
1. Numbers of Homeless Chronic Inebriates

 10 chronically inebriated men
 5-10 chronically inebriated women
 20 beds needed
 40 beds are needed for chronic inebriates.
 30 in Bemidji
 50-75 in Cass Lake. Almost all are native.
 8-10 different chronic inebriates/month come in to the Sanford Medical Center.
 6 people/month who regularly come in to the Emergency Department with CD
issues.
 8 people sleeping in the park downtown.
 There are 12 people who go through 2 houses that are part of the Restore House
program every 60 days. 50% won’t make it through the treatment program.
 There are 40 people annually at The Restore House who leave and have no
housing.
 20 chronic inebriates in Bemidji. If you build 20 units, you will not overshoot the
need and you won’t attract others to move here.
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 The other day there were 4 chronic homeless alcoholics at gas station in Cass
Lake. 5 walking over the bridge.
 We have had 10-20 chronic inebriates in Red Lake over the past few years.
 There may be some excess bed capacity at Leech Lake hospital.
 15-20 on a regular basis in Bemidji.
2. Characteristics/Needs of Homeless Chronic

Inebriates
 They are on the street.
 A lot are getting social security.
 They give most of their money to their kids and grandkids.
 People are tough as nails.
 One of the elders of the chronic community lived in the back of her car for 2 years.
 Some are the “super-homeless”; all their lives they have never really had housing.
 Need a program that is comforting, teaching, that accepts each person’s
spirituality.
 Often chronic addiction, homelessness, and mental health problems occur
together.
 People need opportunities to start to heal and to learn to love themselves.
 People need to know that, wherever they are, they are important.
 There was recently a homeless man, a former blackjack dealer, who was hit by a
car. He did not own a pair of shoes.
 So much fear. So much trauma.
 Need rep payees.
 Need to eat better. Need to learn to cook.
 Of all the single homeless adults at Leech Lake, about half have chronic substance
issues.
 Chronic inebriates have an impact on the City government and services.
 Some of the chronic inebriates in Bemidji are from Red Lake.
 There are families that have an adult that is a chronic inebriate - - opiates or
prescription pills.
 There are 25 people in the Cass Lake area who are living in a single mobile home
trailer with a wood stove and lanterns. They are chronic alcoholics. They go out
and find each other and stay here. A lot have family here. They won’t go to
Bemidji.
 It is hard to keep your spirituality when you are around so many non-Indian
people.
 Community Behavioral Health Hospital turns away individuals who are drunk.
Page | 51
 I know one man who was at Beltrami County Human Services on Thursday. He
went to detox. On Monday he was back from detox. On Tuesday, he was back
drinking and staying at People’s Church.
 They used to be allowed to be in the Law Enforcement center lobby. But this did
not work out.
 They are taken to People’s Church or to the hospital.
 Big problem here.
 Even the best programs will not achieve sobriety for everyone. About 40%
achieve sobriety through treatment.
 Need a place at Leech Lake where people can stay warm, have a locker, have a cup
of coffee, soak their feet, wash their clothes.
 We need a wet/dry house.
F. Homeless Single Adults or Adults without Children
1. Numbers of Single Homeless Adults

 40-60 units of housing are needed for single homeless adults
 Transients are few: 4/year request services from Churches United
 Biggest need is for singles.
 Build 60 beds for singles.
 50-100 beds would put a dent in the number of single people needing housing.
 50-75 units are needed. It would get most of the people out of the People’s
Church.
 Build 100 units for singles.
 50 in the Bemidji area.
 We have 25 campsites, with between 1-15 people at each, around Leech Lake in
the summer.
 Homelessness is more than just the people you see.
 At Leech Lake we need a 30 unit building for homeless single adults. 10 units for
males. 10 for females. 10 for individuals who are LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, or
transgender).
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2. Characteristics/Needs of Single Homeless Adults
 Persistently, our chronically homeless are singles.
 Most have income of $203
 People applying for Long Term Homeless Service project have mental health
issues. A small percentage have drinking issues.
 We see people without a regular place to live.
 Couch-hopping
 Just got out of jail
 It is hard to keep long-term homeless people stable in scattered site housing. We
use ACT or ARMHS whenever possible.
 There are more and more people with mental health issues.
 The homeless people I see are very helpful. They will do lots to help others. They
immediately do what I want, when I need help.
 Veterans are doubled up and don’t consider themselves homeless.
 “When I am in need, the people who help me are the ones who have nothing”.
 Need to have a program that is comforting, accepting, spiritual, and includes
teaching on basic life skills such as paying bills.
 Need rep payees.
 Need to eat better. Need to learn to cook.
 Females may have more housing options. They can stay in unhealthy situations.
 Singles in Bemidji are the least served. People’s Church is their only resource. It is
not a restful place. It is not a peaceful place.
 Singles homeless adults have nowhere to go.
 We’ve made some progress with homeless families in Bemidji, but not with
homeless singles.
 Single men are the hardest to place in this town (Bemidji). They have a history.
 People are coming out of institutions with dual or triple diagnoses - -
developmental disability, mental illness, substance abuse. Because of their
diagnoses or because of their behavior, it is hard to find places for them to live
after they’ve been in a hospital or treatment or a mental health facility.
 People come out of jail. They end up back in jail or couch hopping. Last strike =
going to prison.
 Harder to serve niche is adult male, adult single, with mental health, drug
addiction or alcohol addiction.
 Singles have lost kids.
 There’s a big need for housing for single people.
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G. Homeless Families
1. Numbers of Homeless Families

 Need 100-200 units for families with kids. All Supportive.
 We could fill 3 or more Conifer Estates.
 We need some housing for families.
 There were 26 people (in families) living in Cass Lake School this summer.
 Currently, there are 2 or 3 homeless families in Cass Lake. They have been placed
with family members.
 100% of the families in the Parent Outreach Program (25-30 families) have
housing problems.
 We need 100 units for families in Beltrami County.
 We need a building for moms and kids. We need services for drug users.
2. Characteristics/Needs of Homeless Families

 Families can typically double-up, especially at reservations.
 Families have help established for them.
 There are more and more families with mental health issues.
 Young people with kids have credit problems.
 Prior to Village of Hope, homeless families are living I cars, tents, couch-hopping
or staying with other families with challenges.
 If families are mentally capable, they may have housing and need skills to manage
it.
 We need multi-generational housing. Small unit for elderly on one side; common
living/dining/family unit on the other side.
 Most “regular” homeless families are doubled up at Leech Lake.
 Most of them have mental health challenges.
 Most have young children.
 Domestic violence/domestic abuse if very high in our community – Bemidji.
 Half have substance abuse issues.
 “so much loss” with these families.
 We need housing units with a case manager working with people and checking
with them, “Do you need help getting to appointments”, “Do you know about the
food shelf?” + transportation, + education on what’s a good relationship and
what’s a safe relationship + dealing with loss + child care.
 Grandparents are stressed because their children & grandchildren are living with
them.
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 We need help to keep families together – financial services, education, life skills.
 There are more services for homeless families than homeless individuals but it’s a
revolving door. “Shuffling one to the right”.
H. Homeless Youth
1. Numbers of Homeless Youth

 There is a great need for housing for youth.
 15 homeless youth who are couch-hopping in the Bemidji area.
2. Needs/Characteristics of Homeless Youth

 They pass the drugs around.
 Lots go to juvenile detention center.
 Some youth 16-22 stay at the People’s Church.
 Average age at Leech Lake is 25.2
 Some 14 year olds are running away.
 Homeless teens are hidden. They find places to be.
 Red Lake Shelter sees a lot of 18-21 year olds. We do a lot of teaching. We walk
them through applying for a rental and moving into a rental. They may need to
work on income through employment or General Assistance or Social Security if
they have a disability. We also refer youth to Evergreen.
 Evergreen does a good job with homeless teens and young adults in Bemidji.
 Homeless youth have nowhere to go in surrounding communities - - Bagley,
Blackduck, Cass Lake Drop-in Center is entry point.
 Law enforcement brings homeless kids to Evergreen.
 As there is no shelter for single young adults, this creates pressure to get
pregnant.
 Homeless single unaccompanied singles stay with family, have hook-ups, or stay
at campgrounds. Five homeless youth were camping this summer.
 Young moms go to Village of Hope.
 Evergreen has Transitional and Permanent Supportive Housing
o 80 kids are on the waiting list.
o 100-150 are housed per year. Most are ages 18-21.
o Evergreen will have “permanent vouchers”.
o TH is turn-key, so youth can stay there after they are out of the program.
 Youth have a high degree of mobility.
 Plenty turn 22 and end services, but many still need services and Evergreen
continues to work with them after then turn 22.
Page | 55
IX. Extent of Homelessness in NW Minnesota:
2012 Statewide Homeless Survey Data Summary
A. Survey Overview
The 2012 Minnesota Statewide Homeless Survey identified 666 persons as homeless in the 12-
county NW Minnesota region, and included adults, children with their parents, and
unaccompanied youth (21 years or younger). This number includes 99 families that included 321
people. Another 345 people were adults or youth without accompanying children.
By comparison, the 2009 Statewide Homeless Survey identified 393 people as homeless in the
NW region. The largest increase was the number of people who were living in non-shelter
locations. In 2009, there were 127 people who were unsheltered and living in informal
arrangements or doubled up; by 2012, this number increased to 289. The number of unsheltered
families increased from 30 in 2009 to 47 in 2012.15
It was not possible to interview every person who lacked fixed and adequate housing on the
date of the survey, and not every person who was identified as eligible chose to participate in the
survey. As a result, we know that the number of people surveyed is lower than the actual
number of people who were homeless or near-homeless in NE Minnesota at the time of the
survey. Moreover, the number changes from day to day based on individual circumstances and
changes in job and housing availability.
Who are the People without Homes in NW MN?

Of all adults:
Gender:
 53.7% were men
 46.3% were women
 36.8% (154 people) were American Indian
 7.2% were of Hispanic, Latino, or Chicano origin
 3.5% were African American
Age:
 34 was the median age
 Median age for women was 29; median age for men was 40
 Persons without housing in NW Wisconsin are younger that State-wide (37) or
Metro (39)
15
Detailed-Data.aspx
Page | 56
Education:
 26.1 % had completed high school
 12% % had attained a college degree (2 Year Associates or Higher)
 41% of those who did not complete 12th grade, did pass a high school equivalency
test (GED).
 31% had an Individual Education Plan or received Special Education services in
school.
Place of Origin:
 57.1% grew up in Minnesota
o 76% of those grew up in Greater Minnesota
 Of persons who grew up in another state (165), 42 (25%) grew up in North
Dakota.
 62.6% had lived in Minnesota for over 10 years.
 11.7% had lived in Minnesota for less than 2 months. This percentage was higher
than State-wide (5.2%) and Metro (4.4%). Most people who had been in
Minnesota for less than 2 months were staying in emergency shelter ( 41 out of 47
people).
Veteran Status:
 10% (42 adults) have served in the U.S. military. One was a female.
 Of the 42 veterans,
o 30 were staying in emergency shelter;
o 1 was living in transitional housing;
o 4 were living in informal arrangements;
o 7 were unsheltered.
 42.9% said they have service-related health problems.
 46.4% reported having contact with a County Veterans Services Officer in the
previous 12 months.
 Homeless Veterans in NW Minnesota were less likely to have a service related
health problem (42.9% vs. 47.3% Statewide and 48.5% Metro). They were more
likely to have contact with a County Veteran Service Officer (46.4% vs. 34.4%
Statewide and 33.6% Metro).
Page | 57
American Indian Homelessness
There were 154 adults who indicated that their racial or ethnic background was
American Indian. There were another 14 adults who indicated that they were multi-
racial.
By homeless location:
 68 American Indian adults (44% of all AI adults) were living in informal arrangements.
 31 (20%) were Unsheltered
 30 (19.5%) were living in an Emergency Shelter
 21 (13.6%) were living in Transitional Housing
 4 (2.6%) were living in a Battered Women’s Shelter
162 adults identified a reservation they were affiliated with:
 Red Lake 33.5% (54 people)
 White Earth 20.1% (33 people)
 Non-Minnesota Reservation 19.2% (31 people)
 Leech Lake 17.3% (28 people)
 Bois Forte 2.5% (4 people)
93% indicated that they are not currently living on a reservation.
46.9% said that “if housing was available on the reservation, they would be interested
in living there”. This percentage was higher than Statewide (38.2%) and Metro
(37%).
80.8% (129 people) said they are officially enrolled with a tribe. 19.2% said they are a
descendant of a tribal member, but not enrolled. The percentage of people officially
enrolled was higher than Statewide (69%) and Metro (61.5%).
Where are People Staying?

In October 2012, 40.1% of the respondents (168 adults) had spent one or more nights
doubled up, in someone else’s house, apartment, or room for economic reasons or
because there was not a safe or affordable place for them to rent or buy on their own.
 Fifty-five people (13.1%) had spent all of the previous 30 days doubled up.
 The percentage of people in NW Minnesota who spent all of the previous 30 days
doubled up was much higher than Statewide (4.9%) and Metro (2.6%).
Also in October 2012, 31.2% of adult respondents had spent one or more nights of the
month outside, in a vehicle or vacant building, or some other place not intended for
housing. Most of those had spent more than one week unsheltered, and 29 adults spent
all 30 days outside or in a place not intended for housing.
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In the previous three months,71 people (16.9% of all adult respondents) were unable to
obtain shelter at times because of a lack of available bed spaces.
Age of First Homelessness

The largest group of persons experiencing lack of stable housing reported that the first
time they experienced homelessness they were between the ages of 18 – 29 – 44.1%.
Another 23.1% became homeless for the first time when they were under the age of 18.
 7.8% became homeless for the first time between the ages of 0 to 12.
 20% became homeless for the first time between the ages of 22 to 29.
 11.6% became homeless for the first time when they were 50 or older.
Chronic Homelessness
Lack of stable housing is not a temporary situation but a long-term condition for many
people experiencing lack of housing in NW Minnesota. Over half (51.5%) of all adults
surveyed had been homeless for one year or more.
Length of current homelessness episode:

 3.8% had been homeless for one week or less;
 6.1% had been homeless for between a week and a month;
 15.8% had been homeless for 1-4 months;
 30.8% had been homeless for 1-3 years;
 8.5% had been homeless for 3-5 years;
 11.8% had been homeless for 5+ years.
In addition to lengthy episodes of current homelessness, this was not most people’s
first experience of being without stable housing in the last three years. When
asked how many different times (including now) they had been homeless in the past
three years, 69.4% of respondents reported that this was not their first time.
 4 or more times – 30.6%
 3 times – 9.9%
 2 times – 17.4%
 1 time – 42.1%
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Over a lifetime, 72% of adult survey respondents had been homeless more than one
time, and over a quarter had been homeless eight or more times:
 8 or more times – 27.2%
 4-7 times – 20.5%
 2-3 times – 24.2%
 1 time – 28%
Adults without housing in NW Minnesota were less likely to be homeless for the
first time in the past three years (42.1% vs. 47.6% State-wide and 49.9 Metro).
They were more likely to be homeless 4 or more times in the last three years (30.6%
vs. 23.5% State-wide and 21.6% Metro).
They were also more likely to be homeless 8 more times in their lifetime (27.2%
versus 20.9 State-wide and 19.3% Metro).
Long-term Homelessness:
Minnesota’s definition of long-term homelessness is: “homeless for a year or longer
currently or 4 or more times in the last 3 years”.
 59.7% of adult survey respondents (250 people) met the Minnesota definition of
long-term homelessness.
 By current homeless location, the percentage of adults who met the definition of
long-term homelessness was:
o 68% of adults who were unsheltered (32 people),
o 60.7 % of adults in informal arrangements (65 people)
o 58.5% of adults in emergency shelter (96 people)
o 57.5% of adults in transitional housing (56 people)
o 25% of women in a domestic violence shelter (1 person)
By comparison, the percentage of adults in NW Minnesota who meet the definition of

long-term homelessness is similar to the State-wide survey results (56%) and Metro
(57.6%).
Chronic Homelessness:
The federal HUD definition of chronic homelessness is: “ homeless for a year or longer
currently, or 4 or more times in the past 3 years; and single (not accompanied by
spouse or children) and with a serious disability.
 25.7% of adult survey respondents met the federal definition of long-term

homelessness.
 By current homeless location, the percentage of adults who met the definition of
chronic homelessness was:
o 31.9% of adults who were unsheltered (15 people)
o 9.3% of adults in informal arrangements (10 people)
o 37.8% of adults in emergency shelter (62 people)
o 21.6% of adults in transitional housing (21 people)
o 0% of women in a domestic violence shelter
Page | 60
By comparison, the percentage of adults in NW Minnesota who meet the
definition of chronic homelessness is less than the State-wide survey results
(29.2%) and Metro (32.2%).
Veteran Needs and Resources

 42.9% of veterans without housing said they have service-related health
problems.
 46.4% reported having contact with a County Veterans Services Officer in the
previous 12 months.
 Over half, 54.2%, are not currently receiving veteran’s benefits.
 39.2% do receive services from a Veterans Administration Medical Services
(VAMC).
 15.7% receive service-connected compensation.
Homeless Veterans in NW Wisconsin were less likely to have a service related

health problem (42.9% vs. 47.3% Statewide and 48.5% Metro).
They were more likely to have contact with a County Veteran Service Officer (46.4%
vs. 34.4% Statewide and 33.6% Metro).
Homeless veterans in NW MN are more likely to have veteran’s benefits (45.8% vs.
43.5% Statewide and 41.7% Metro)
Employment and Economics

Working and homeless:
Of the people surveyed, 34.3% (144 people) who lacked stable housing were
currently employed, including temp work and self-employment. Of those:
 55.5% of the working adults worked part time (1-34 hours per week) and 44.5%
people worked full-time (35+ hours/week).
 30.7% made $8 to $9.99 an hour

 1.4% made less than $7.24 an hour
 18.2% made $7.24 to $7.99 an hour
 27.9% made$10 to $11.99 an hour
 12.6% made $12 to $15.99 an hour
 5.9% made $16.00 or more.
By comparison, the percentage of adults in NW Minnesota who are employed is

greater than the State-wide survey results (24.1%) and Metro (22.1%).
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Unemployed and homeless:
Of the 275 people who were unemployed, 62.1% stated they were currently looking
for work. They stated that the biggest barriers to getting a job now were:
 Transportation – 36.4%
 Physical Health – 31.0%
 Mental health – 14.4%
 Lack of employment opportunities –12 %
 Criminal history –11.4 %
 Resources needed to work or look for work –10.8 %
 Job experience/history – 10.1%
 Personal Reasons – 8.3%
 Child care – 8%
 Education – 7.4%
By comparison, a higher percentage of persons without housing in NW Minnesota

experienced the employment barrier of physical health (31% vs. 26% State-wide and
24.5% Metro).
A higher percentage also experienced transportation as a barrier to employment

(36.4% vs. 25.7% State-wide and 23.5% Metro).
Income and Economics:

For people in NW Minnesota without stable housing, their average monthly income
for October 2012 was $591 and the median was $437 (not including food stamps).
Survey respondents reported a wide variety of ways of trying to gain income, from
working, to government assistance and help from family and friends. People stated
that they received income in October 2012 from the following sources:
 23.1% from steady employment,
 15.6% from other relatives or friends,
 14% from day or temporary labor,
 13.5% from MFIP (Minnesota Family Investment Program) or a family welfare
program in another state,
 11.4% from General Assistance,
 8.3% from SSI (Supplemental Security Income),
 8.1% from parents,
 7.4% from the sale or pawning of personal belonging
Steady income was the main source of income in October for 27.7% of survey
respondents (89 people).
Page | 62
Sources of Assistance
People without stable housing reported that they had received assistance in the month of
October from:
 61.4% % had received public medical benefits like Medicare, Minnesota Care,
GAMC, or Medical Assistance (256 adults)
 76% had received food stamps (319 adults)
 17.7% had received WIC Women, Infant, and Child food program
 10% had received a diversionary work program (DWP)
 10.8% had received SSI
 9.4% had received Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
 3.3% had received child care assistance
 4.8% had received unemployment
Also, in the past 12 months 16.6% of adult respondents (69 people) had lost benefits or
services they had been receiving, including unemployment benefits, food stamps, public
medical benefits like Medicare, MN Care, GAMC or Medical Assistance, and some had
lost MFIP benefits. 16.2% (66 people) felt that they need assistance in applying or
reapplying for services or benefits.
While 39% of parents stated that there was a court order for their children to receive
child support, in more than half the cases (52%), that support was not being provided.
Housing Needs and Barriers
Housing assistance:
At the time of the survey, 32.7% of respondents (136 adults) were on a waiting list for
public housing, Section 8 housing, or some other type of housing that offers financial
assistance.
 Just 3 people (2.6%) had been on a waiting list for less than a month.
 44.6% had been waiting 1-3 months
 18.4% had been waiting 4-6 months
 17.3% had been waiting for 7-12 months
 17.1% of those had been on a waiting list for more than a year
The average wait time was 9 months; the median was 4 months.
Twenty-one adults (7.8%) not on a waiting list for subsidized housing have been unable
to get on a waiting list because it was closed.
32 adults (7.7% of all adults) have received a housing voucher they could not use because
they could not find a place that would accept it.
Page | 63
Reasons for Leaving Last Housing:
 40.7% Couldn’t afford rent or house payments (170 adults)
 35.7% Lost your job or had your hours cut (149 adults)
 27.8% Eviction or lease not renewed (115)
 26.2% Break-up with a spouse or partner (109)

 21.2% Problems getting along with other people you lived with (88)
 15.7% A drinking or drug problem someone in your household had (66)
 14.5% Abuse by someone you lived with (61)
 12.8% A behavior problem of a guest or visitor (53)
 13% Drinking/drug problem (54)
Over half of all homeless adults (56.4%) stayed with family or friends in regular
housing when they first lost their housing.
Housing cost:
The mean amount that homeless adults in NW Minnesota could pay each month for
housing, including rent and utilities, is $277. The median amount is $250.
Unsheltered males and females in battered women’s shelters have the lowest ability
to pay for housing. For unsheltered men, the mean amount they could pay each
month is $167. For women staying at the battered women’s shelter, the mean amount
they could pay is $129.
Men in the Emergency Shelter could pay an average of $377. Females in the Shelter
could pay an average of $259.
Housing size:
Almost half, 48.9%, of all homeless adults in NW Minnesota indicated a need for a 0-
bedroom, efficiency or SRO (Single Room Occupancy) apartment. (203 adults).
Another 17% (71 adults) said they needed a 1-bedroom apartment.
There were 93 adults (22.3%) who need a 2-bedroom apartment and 41 adults (9.8%)
who need a 3 bedroom apartment.
Of persons staying in emergency shelter, 65.5% (107 adults) said they needed a 0-
bedroom or efficiency or SRO unit.
Females in Transitional Housing were more likely to need a 2-bedroom unit (49.5%;
34 females).
Page | 64
Physical and Mental Health
At the time of the October 2012 survey, 42.8% of the respondents (179 adults) have a
chronic health condition. Of all 413 respondents, 34.5% (142 adults) are not getting
needed health care, primarily because of lack of money or insurance (51.3%; 72 adults),
another 17.8% have no transportation, and 12.5 don’t know where to go.
Need for Health Care:

 33.9% needed to see a health professional about physical health problems. (139
adults)
 47% needed to see a dentist about tooth or gum problems.(196 adults)
 29.3% needed to see a health professional about emotional or mental health problems.
(121)
 8.9% needed to see a health professional about any alcohol or drug problems. (37
adults)
 38.6% (162 adults) have been told by a doctor or nurse that they have a mental
health disorder, including 29.2% % with major depression and the rest with
schizophrenia, bipolar, or related diagnoses.
 16.3% (68 adults) have been told by a doctor or nurse that they have an alcohol
abuse disorder; 7.5% (31 adults) have been told they have a drug abuse disorder.
 11.9% (50 adults) have been told they have a dual diagnosis of mental health AND
chemical dependency.
 31.8% (133 adults) have lived in an alcohol or drug treatment program as a child or
an adult; for 31.5% of those (42 adults) it had been in the last two years .
For people with chronic health conditions, a total of 63.6% reported having received
care for their condition in the last 12 months:
 100% with tuberculosis received care for it (2 adults);
 87.3% with diabetes received care for it (38 adults);
 85.6 with a sexually transmitted infection received care for it (15 adults);
 74% with a chronic heart of circulatory problem received care for it (74.2%);
 69.5% of adults with high blood pressure received care (56 adults);
 67.3% of adults with asthma received care for it (46 adults);
 58% of adults with other chronic lung or respiratory problems received care (21
adults).
Page | 65
Choices for Regular Medical Care:
63.7% of respondents stated they have a regular place to go for medical care. This is a
lower percentage than State-wide – 72.5% or Metro – 74.6%. Medical care options
choices for homeless adults in NW Minnesota are:
 59.7% a clinic that requires insurance or fees
 18.2% Indian Health Service
 10% a free clinic
 5.5% the emergency room
 3.8% VA/VA medical center
Lack of medical coverage can lead to the high use of emergency rooms:
 39.5% of survey respondents had received care in an emergency room in the previous 6
months.
 They had been in the ER an average of two times in those 6 months.
 These emergency room visits resulted in hospital admissions for 30% of the
adults.
Impact of Health Care Conditions:

A number of people who were without stable housing had health conditions or
disabilities that limit their ability to work or get around:
 38.7%% have a physical, mental, or other health condition that limits the kind or
amount of work they can do;
 8.7% have a physical, mental, or other health condition that makes it hard to
bathe, eat, get dressed, get in or out of bed or chair, or get around by themselves;
 23.1% often feel confused, have trouble remembering things or have problems
making decision, to the point that it interferes with daily activities.
 49.9% (208 adults) have had a head injury and 55.5% of those have had problems
resulting from it; the average age at the time of injury was 21.
Page | 66
Institutional Stays and Post-Release Housing
Institutional Stays:
The transition between an institutional stay and gaining independent stable housing
often presents a significant difficulty. In 2012, NW Minnesota adults without stable
housing reported the following:
 55.1% had lived in foster care, a group
home, adoptive home, halfway house, or
residence for physical, behavioral, or
mental health problems More than half the
people who experienced
Of those who had left one of these facilities in leaving foster care,
the past 12 months (39 adults):
correctional facilities, or
 76.9% reported they did not have their
any other kind of
own place to live when they went in and
72.6%% did not have a stable place to live residential care in the
when they got out past 12 months did not
 66.7% stated they received no help finding have a stable place to
a stable place to live when they left live after release.
Two-thirds reported
receiving no assistance
Correctional Stays: in finding housing.
Nearly one-half (49.1%; 206 adults) of all
survey respondents had spent time in a
correctional facility at some point in their
lives.
 23.5% had been held more than a week in
a juvenile detention center or facility
 39.9% spent time in a county jail or work house for a month or more
 11.2% had spent time in a state prison
 0.7% had spent time in a federal prison
Note that the information above likely contains duplicates between correctional facility population; in
the corrections system people are often held in county jails before going to prison. Also, a person who is
held in a juvenile center may re-offend as an adult and later be held in a jail or prison. Therefore, one
person may be represented in each of the three areas.
Challenges after Correctional Stays:

Similar difficulties are encountered when people leave correctional facilities as when
they leave institutional stays. Of those who had left correctional facilities in the past 12
months, 47.1% did not have housing when they went into that facility, and 77.4% did not
have a stable place to live when they left. Over two-thirds, 78%, reported not receiving
any help finding a stable place to live at the time of release.
Page | 67
Homeless Adults with Children
On the night of the Statewide Survey, there were 99 families with children surveyed in
NW Minnesota. These families included 126 parents.
 By location, there were:
o 52 families in Emergency Shelters, Battered Women’s Shelters or Transitional
Housing.
o 47 families in non-shelter locations.
 By type of family, there were:
o 7 male-headed families.
o 65 female-headed families
o 27 couples with children.
There were a total of 195 children in these families.

o 103 children with their parents in Emergency Shelters, Battered Women’s
Shelters or Transitional Housing.
o 92 children with their parents in non-shelter locations.

o 11 children in male-headed families
o 120 children in female-headed families
o 55 children in two-parent families
Of all adults surveyed in NW MN, 42.5% had children age 17 or younger. The
percentage of adults with children is lower than in the Statewide survey (48%) or in
the Metro survey (47.7%). In all areas of the state, the average number of
children/adult was two. The average age was 8.
46.8% of the parents in NW MN did not have their child(ren) living with them at the
location where they were surveyed.
Challenges:
 39% of parents (67 people) reported that there is a court order for one or more of
their children to receive child support.
o For 48.2% of these, support is not being provided for all eligible children.
 15 parents (8.8%) said there is a child protection case open for his/her children.
 11.4% of parents said their children have had to skip meals in the past month
because of a lack of money to buy food.
 31.9% have been unable to obtain regular child care when needed in the past year.
 13% of parents (6 people) said their children have trouble going to school because
of their housing problems.
 55.8% of parents (26) reported that their children had to change schools due to
their housing situation.
Page | 68
Health and Mental Health:
 Four parents (3.8%) said that one or more of their children have chronic or severe
physical problems that interfere with their daily activities.
 Thirteen parents (12.8%) said that one or more of their children have emotional
or behavioral problems that interfere with their daily activities.
 Just 5% of parents have been unable to obtain needed physical health care for
their children, but 14% have been unable to obtain needed dental care in the past
12 months.
School Issues:
 49.5% of parents of children ages 5 and younger said that their child is enrolled in
Head Start or an early childhood program.
 41.3% of parents said their children have learning or school problems, including:
o 40.1% - Experience with bullying as a victim (18 parents reported this.)
o 27.6% - Difficulty with peer relationships (13)
o 17.5% - Retained or held back in grade one or more years
o 17.5% - Drop in grades
o 11.6% - Displaying aggressing, bullying, anti-social behavior
 76.3% of parents reported that their children attended school on the day of the
survey.
The percentage of homeless parents who report that child support is provided to
eligible children in NW MN (51.8%) is significantly higher than that reported by
homeless parents Statewide (41%) or in the Metro area (38.5%).
The percentage of homeless parents in NW MN who report that their children under
5 are enrolled in Head Start on an early childhood program (49.5%) is higher than
that reported by homeless parents Statewide (43.2%) or in the Metro area (42.4%).
The percentage of homeless parents in NW MN who report that that they have a
child with chronic or severe physical problems (3.8%) is significantly lower than
that reported by homeless parents Statewide (14.6%) or in the Metro area (15.7%).
The percentage of homeless parents in NW MN who report that they have a child
with emotional or behavioral problems that interfere with their daily activities
(12.8%) is significantly lower than that reported by homeless parents Statewide
(26.2%) or in the Metro area (25%).
The percentage of NW MN parents who have been unable to obtain needed dental
care for any of their children in the past year( 14%) was higher than Statewide
(9.9%) or Metro (8.5%).
The percentage of NW MN parents whose children have had to change schools due
to the family’s housing situation was higher (55.8%) than Statewide (41.7%) or
Metro (37.9%).
Page | 69

Needs Assessment of Homeless Persons in The Bemidji Area

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Needs Assessment of Homeless Persons in The Bemidji Area

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Needs Assessment of

Center City Housing Corporation

Center City Housing Corporation

With funding from:

Corporation for Supportive Housing

II. Needs Assessment Purpose,

III. Findings and Recommendations......10

IV. Numbers and Needs of Homeless

V. Numbers and Needs of Homeless

VI. Numbers and Needs of Homeless

VII. Numbers/Needs of Homeless Youth…35

VIII. Key Informant Interview Summary...38

IX. Minnesota 2012 State-wide Survey

 American Indian individuals and families are over-represented in the homeless

 Some systematic issues in rural Minnesota can cause, complicate or prolong

2) Address shortage of emergency shelter for night-time stays. Until additional

4) Develop permanent supportive housing units for high-barrier homeless adults

5) Expand permanent supportive housing for homeless families. Build on successful

A. About the Needs Assessment

B. Purpose and Key Questions to Be Answered

 Wendy Garton, White Earth Family office

Data Collection and Analysis

 Beltrami County Health and Human Services

2) Address shortage of emergency shelter for night-time stays. Emergency shelter is

4) Create permanent supportive housing for high-barrier homeless adults without

C. Data on Numbers and Public Costs of Chronic Inebriates

Beltrami County Health and Human Services

Bemidji Police Department

Number of Bemidji Police Calls Per Person

Numbers of Homeless Chronic Inebriates

Challenges with Chemical Dependency Services

 Alcoholism is a significant barrier for some homeless people. Rate of chemical

 Opiates are a growing problem, especially on reservations. Suboxone/Methadone

Limited Emergency Shelter

History of Trauma, Disability, Co-Occurring Conditions

 Most have diagnosed or undiagnosed medical conditions. Lots of traumatic brain

Revolving Door of Services

C. Data on Homeless Adults Without Children

Minnesota State-wide Homeless Survey

 Homeless adults in NW Minnesota are disproportionately American Indian (37%).

 Most homeless adults are from the region or from Minnesota.

1st time homeless and less

Bemidji Housing and Redevelopment Authority

72-HOUR HOLD TRANSPORTS PER COUNTY, 2013

D. Key Informant Themes

Numbers of Single Homeless Adults

 Homelessness affects at least 50 and possibly hundreds of individuals without

Inadequate Emergency Shelter

Lack of Available Small Housing Units

 Many homeless single adults have other barriers to living independently,

 The Minnesota Department of Education reported 262 homeless children in the

2012 Minnesota State-wide Homeless Survey

o By type of family, there were:

 In addition to the challenges faced by other homeless adults in the areas of

Growth of Homeless Families and

 The Minnesota Department of Education reported 262 homeless children in the

o There were 156

Comparison of Background of All

Beltrami County Human Services

Village of Hope House of Hospitality in Bemidji provides temporary shelter and

 There were 45 families sheltered in 2013. At entry:

 The families sheltered in 2013 included 181 individuals:

 Adults had the following income sources: