|
|
Five in RC helped by new homeless agencyBy MaryHelen Swanson Cheryl Gray, executive director of New Pathways, Inc, a relatively new agency helping the homeless in the five-county area, spoke to the Rush City Council Monday night, giving background on the work of the non-profit agency and asking if the city could help with costs incurred by aiding five homeless people in Rush City last year. The five were among 27 Chisago County clients served from February 2002 through December 2002. In the five-county area, Pine, Kanabec, Isanti, Chisago and Mille Lacs, a total of 145 individuals were served, 87 being children. That was a 9 percent increase over the number served in 2001. ìWeíre seeing a big increase in homeless families with children,î Gray said. New Pathways, she said, partners with 16 churches in Isanti County to form the Interfaith Hospitality Network program which serves the homeless. Families, who are confirmed to have lived in one of the five counties for at least 30 days, are provided a safe, warm place to sleep, eat and care for their children. A day center in Cambridge provides opportunities for families to connect with resources to find solutions to their living needs, jobs, transportation, etc. At night, the families go to local churches where they are provided private sleeping rooms, supper, breakfast and a packed lunch to take back to the day center. The five Rush City residents (two families) served last year were served at $13 per day, the total cost was $4,381. The length of stay varies depending on the needs of the families. The average income per family that came into the program last year was $9,000, Gray said. Most come to the program from eviction and eviction comes when a job is lost or hours are cut back. Often there are transportation problems too. The costs, Gray continued, are due to direct services and personal care needs. There are no administrative costs to New Pathways. That is why, she said, the agency is seeking support from the communities for the clients served from their area. They are only asking for support of the five from Rush City. Gray noted that New Pathways is the only homeless program in this area. Mayor Mike Skalsky told her that the city cannot donate to organizations, but can contract for services. He also said the city will be facing some tough times this year. Councilman Mick Louzek commented that it was a sad thing that families with children should be homeless in our country. In other business, the council: ï Adopted an ordinance amendment annexing two city-owned parcels; one near the airport and one near the wastewater treatment plant. ï Accepted the bid of Braun Intertec for soil boring services for a proposed housing development and industrial park expansion. Cost of the work for the industrial park will be shared with the Chisago County EDA-HRA. ï Agreed that the city should immediately upgrade its four computers for a cost of around $5,000. The city has budgeted $2,000 in 2002 and 2003 for computers. The city is currently using Windows 95. ï Paid bills in the amount of $94,809.75. ©ECM Post Review |