Homeless in central Minnesota

Homelessness is a growing problem in central Minnesota.

With people "doubling up," living with friends or family members, or finding shelter in their cars, New Pathways' programming is geared toward helping homeless families with children become stable and self reliant.

Richard Mettler, New Pathways program manager and family educator, shared the following story of a local family's journey of becoming homeless and rebuilding their life.

Last summer, a family of five, headed by a laid off logger, was renting a home in Brainerd when they were forced to leave because of what Mettler calls "an unsafe situation." The family had a lengthy history of problems with their landlord, whom they believed to be on meth.

With little money and nowhere to turn, the family soon found themselves living in a tent north of Brainerd.

The Salvation Army provided a gas voucher for the family to go to Little Falls where they could enlist help from the Morrison County Interfaith Hospitality Network.

After receiving medical assistance for an ailing child, getting help finding employment and developing a plan with the help of a case manager, the family is back on track with a roof over their heads.