Our Motivation
Every day there are people who don’t know where they will sleep tonight. Each person has a story. Each person has suffered great loss. The path to be able to sustain themselves seems impossible to find. We want to change that and provide hope for a better future and a safe place of belonging; a place to call home. Will you join our coalition and help empower people to make lasting changes in their lives and the lives of their families?
The inspiration for our name: After quoting the commandment to love your neighbor as yourself, Jesus was asked, “Who is my neighbor?” He replied by telling the story of the good Samaritan who came across someone in need who was robbed, beaten, and stripped. The good Samaritan showed mercy. Jesus then said, “Go and do the same.”
Let’s open our eyes to see the ones today who have been robbed of their dignity, beaten by negative experiences, and stripped of understanding their worth as a human loved by God.
Several caring folks in central Minnesota have joined together to form this 501(c)(3) non-profit organization to respond to that call; to love the ones in need by lifting them up. They are – “My Neighbor to Love”.
Creekside Community
Our Plan
Creekside Community
This intentional living housing community, now in Phase 3, is a place of healing, comfort, and growth. In Phases 1 and 2 we built a 4 plex and a 12 plex, and have recently broken ground for another 19 housing units. Creekside Community, when complete, will also feature gathering places, gardens, permaculture areas, a park, playgrounds, and a dog run. It will be a welcoming environment for residents to work toward their goals, meet and socialize with neighbors, and learn new skills.
The housing units vary in size to meet the needs of the residents, ranging from studios to two-bedroom units. Three-bedroom units are planned for Phase 4 development.
Plans are being developed to include the “Hub”, a holistic health center (standing for health, unity, and belonging) and a fellowship hall to address spiritual needs.
The property is located in Brainerd, a town in central Minnesota, and close to the Mississippi River. It is at the edge of town, surrounded by wildlife yet within walking distance to stores and services.
Our Mission
Guided by the love of God, our mission is to end homelessness and lift people out of extreme poverty in central Minnesota. We understand that chronic and long-term homeless is often the result of a lack of resources and a lack of relationships. Our plan will focus on three essential areas: Building Homes, Building Healthy Lives, and Building Community.
We believe every person needs a home, a safe place to sleep and live and just be. Primary needs must first be met in order to address other issues. We will accomplish this goal by creating neighborhoods with small, affordable apartments and houses.
The second focus area is health, being sound in mind and body. By identifying each person’s needs, health concerns, and areas of potential improvement (whether it be relationship, physical, financial, or mental health, etc.), we will be able to match them to solution-based resources, provide education and training, and also provide and/or find opportunities for them to become more self-sufficient.
Equally important is community, a place to belong. Our goal is to encourage caring for one another and for the community as a whole. We will offer opportunities for socialization and tasks which require working together. Our mission is to instill in each person, a sense of worth in themselves and within each other, creating values of community, responsibility, and belonging.
THE PROBLEM
HOMELESSNESS
In the most recent count by Wilder Research, there are 2,643 people in Greater Minnesota experiencing homelessness. Those figures don’t necessarily count those doubling up or not showing up to be counted, so in truth those numbers are much higher. Children and young adults aged 24 and younger represent 40% of the homeless population. The number of adults aged 55+ experiencing homelessness increased 7% from 2018 to 2023, and that trend is expected to continue. While more people experience homelessness in the Twin Cities metro, those who are homeless in greater Minnesota have higher rates of complex challenges that perpetuate the cycle of homelessness, including trauma, violence, and significant health issues. In fact, a staggering 84% of people without housing in Greater Minnesota have significant health issues, according to the 2023 Minnesota Homeless Study. The need is sobering. People living outside with no home have experienced trauma and isolation. They feel rejected by their community; outcast and abandoned.
POVERTY
Crow Wing County reports 9.2% of their population, 6,400 people, live below the federal poverty guideline and neighboring Cass County reports 14.7%, over 4,200 people. Many households with extremely low incomes pay more than 30% of their income on housing and are just one paycheck away from becoming homeless. Finding affordable rental housing is a major problem.
SIGNIFICANT COSTS TO TAXPAYERS
Homelessness results in an economic burden on a community. According to the Interagency Council on Homelessness, housing people alone can reduce the cost to taxpayers by an annual average of over $20,000 per person due to less usage of emergency, jail, court, and other services. That means getting only 50 people off the streets and into supportive housing can result in a savings of over $1,000,000 each year. Additionally, decreasing homelessness improves the quality of the community with less loitering and encampment areas, and a lower crime rate.
THE SOLUTION
Lift people up...
by loving them well. We believe that means meeting each person where they are at, match support and services to their identified needs, and help lift them up to reach their full potential. Empowering individuals to become as self-sufficient as possible restores hope and dignity.
Lift people up out of homelessness...
by providing a safe and affordable home to live in. Our goal is to build housing units in a safe and supportive neighborhood/village environment. Everyone who qualifies, follows the basic rules, and is responsible to get their rent and utility bills paid, can live there permanently and have a place to call home.
Lift people up out of poverty...
by promoting employment. The only real way out of poverty is to increase income and lower expenses. Programs and handouts provide help but can also create dependency and keep people stuck without experiencing real and lasting change. Our plan is to match each person to job skills training, assist in finding employment, and promote entrepreneurial opportunities as well.
Lift people up out of isolation and loneliness...
by providing a community that works together and creates a sense of belonging. Socialization opportunities are provided within a community center, park, community gardens, support meetings, church services and/or Bible studies, and multiple planned activities and events. Residents also participate in monthly Neighbor Meetings.
Lift people up out of unhealthy living...
by providing onsite mental health therapy; support groups; life and relationship skills training; and classes in healthy living, diet, and meal preparation. Other classes of interest including arts and crafts will provide opportunities for expression and healing.
Lift people up out of a limited view of their future...
by helping each person see the potential in their lives. Our plan is to also focus on unhoused young adults and those aging out of the foster care system. Our goal is to help launch them into adulthood, with extra guidance, training, and support to get them started on a positive path for their future.
Thank YOU!
Invite your friends!