County Commissioner/Wolfe Center Chair Reports to Tribal Council

Wolfe Center Board Chairman Reed Olson, who is also a Beltrami County Commissioner, gave a report on the functions and services provided by the shelter, to the Red Lake Tribal Council in his capacity as Chairman of the Wolfe Center, a shelter for inebriates, at the Council's regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, November 13, 2018.

The Wolfe Center is a nighttime shelter for chronic homeless inebriates struggling with chemical dependency. It is able to house 16 people during the winter months. Olson gave a report on the Wolfe Center's successes and challenges. Red Lake provided seed money to help get the Wolfe started a few years ago.

Olson provided a two-page report that gave numbers for the winter months, October 2017 to April 2018, including American Indian clients, who made up just over half of the clients. Olson's report included a higher number of female clients than expected he noted. The shelter is located in downtown Bemidji near the County Government Complex and behind The Wild Hare Bistro coffee shop, of which Olson is an owner.

Hospital and police referral numbers were also reported. "The police are very supportive and appreciative of our services," said Olson. "It is much better for both police and inebriates to go to a shelter rather than to jail. Upon entering the facility, any alcohol is confiscated. This helps the inebriate from feeling the need to finish a bottle in a hurry before entering, knowing their bottle will be returned in the morning available for a quick bump to start the day warding off the inevitable hangover."

The shelter is open from the early evening to mid morning only. Olson hopes to provide a 24-hour 12-month shelter at some point. Other hopes for the future include hiring a full-time director and more referral services. They are exploring working closer with social service agencies on reservations, county government, and other health organizations. Red Lake tribal social services appeared eager to learn more on how they might collaborate.

The Red Lake Tribal Council donated $5,000 to The Wolfe Center to be distributed at $1,000 per month for the next five months.

Wolfe Center Crisis Housing

522 America Avenue NW, Bemidji, MN

(218) 444-5516 or 218-214-1018