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N.D. (Submitted) – The South Central Homeless Coalition representing North Dakota’s Region VI, partnered with Jamestown Ministerial Association, Triumph Inc, and Edgewood Senior Living to assemble “Blessing Bags” of donated essential care items for people experiencing homelessness and or other hardships.
This second annual event established “Mercy Box” locations where individuals and organizations donated travel sized personal care items such as facial tissues, wet wipes, nail clippers, lip balm, hygiene products, nonperishable snacks, socks, small first aid kits, and feminine hygiene products. The South Central Homeless Coalition received donations from individuals and organizations.
Members of the Homeless Coalition board, Edgewood Senior Living staff and residents, Triumph Inc. staff and clients, and Region VI community members assembled 264 blessing bags on April 20, 2017. An additional donation of 27 pre-packaged bags came from Trinity Lutheran’s Sunday School program, for a grand total of 291 blessing bags.
Blessing bags will be shared with various organizations within Region VI such as South Central Human Service Center, Community Action, Freedom Resources, James River Correctional Center, Veteran Services, local churches, and Public Schools for distribution to individuals who are experiencing homelessness or extreme need.
The need to actively care for people experiencing homelessness in North Dakota is growing. In 2016 it was estimated that over 10,000 people across the State experienced some form of homelessness. In January 2016 alone, 923 persons state-wide were documented as experiencing homelessness with 154 of those individuals being under the age of 18.
The purpose of the South Central Homeless Coalition’s purpose shall be to advocate, coordinate, and optimize services for homeless men, women and children within Region 6 of the South Central Human Service Center. For more information contact coalition President Pastor Susan Haukaas at Trinity Lutheran Church (701) 252-2841.
Story submitted by Cassie DuBray.
Click here for the first story and hear an interview with Cassie DuBray and Tonya Perkins.
