We are part of The Trust Project.
BRAINERD — Bridges of Hope will hold their second annual Sleep Out fundraiser from 5-7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 7, at The Woods.
The community can learn about the first year at The Bridge on 7th, its overnight shelter, and plans for this year.
RSVP to info@bridgesofhopemn.org or 218-825-7682. More information can be found at bridgesofhopemn.org.
The Bridge on 7th opened for a second year Sept. 15 because of the generosity of local donors and grant funders. The shelter is open every day of the week for those 18 years and older from 7 p.m. to 8 a.m.
The shelter opened in December 2021 and served 78 individuals from Crow Wing County and surrounding communities.
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Only 20 nights of sleep were provided for those outside of the county. These stays were primarily for those coming out of the county jail who were waiting for a bus the day after their release.
Since opening Sept. 15, 2022, the shelter has hosted 44 guests, 35 of who are new to the shelter since last season. As of Oct. 19, the shelter has provided 394 nights of sleep this season for people who are otherwise unsheltered.
The shelter averages 10 guests per night with the busiest night this season being 19 guests.
“Our guests have been incredibly thankful. They are just looking for somewhere safe to get some sleep,” Ann Hunnicutt, director of The Bridge on 7th, said in a news release. “Some are with us many nights and others just a night or two. We have a few guests who get up at 3-6 a.m. and leave the shelter to get to work for the day.”
November is National Homelessness Awareness Month. Jana Shogren, executive director at Bridges of Hope, invited the community to support the shelter at the Sleep Out event.
“We are humbled by the positive community response we’ve received since opening The Bridge last December. The community has stepped up with supplies and financial support,” Shogren said. “It’s clear our community cares about our neighbors in need. We can’t believe the shelter is nearly full some nights, and the snow hasn’t even fallen. We are preparing for a busy winter.”
