Ensuring people of all ages can stay healthy and well is a priority in the communities. Local residents know people want to be able to have a safe space to live, that parents want the best for their children, and that people want to live in a healthy community. 

One issue that is preventing some from living a happy, healthy life is access to safe, stable housing and experiences of homelessness.  In 2022 there were 399 families that received services to address homelessness, and 43.9 percent of renters are housing cost burdened in Becker County.  

A group of faith leaders and community partners in Detroit Lakes and greater Becker County, have come together to engage in community solution building to address homelessness as there is a rising need across local communities. This group, working with Creating Community Consulting, is exploring creative opportunities to address immediate needs in the community while building toward long-term sustainable solutions.  

The stakeholder group is holding a public education and engagement session and is inviting interested community members to please attend. Attendees will learn about local data including statistics and results from over 50 key stakeholder interviews.  In addition, information will be shared on best practices that work in other communities, identify local programs that are working that could expand, and folks will have the opportunity to brainstorm how to mobilize potential solutions.

The session will be held at Becker County Museum on Thursday, Nov. 30 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Lunch will be provided. Organizers are asking people to register to attend by emailing Megan@creatingcommunityconsulting.com, or to reach out if they are interested in supporting this work and will not be able to attend this day.