Red Lake Homeless Shelter director advocates at 'Homeless Day on the Hill'

RED LAKE -- While the pandemic has undoubtedly caused a myriad of issues, according to Jordan May, the director of the Red Lake Homeless Shelter, the COVID-19 situation has acted as a catalyst -- bringing to light long-ignored issues in the area and banding support-providing organizations together.

May, who has had experience with homelessness firsthand, spoke Tuesday morning during a virtual event kicking off "2021 Homeless Day on the Hill," three days of advocacy on behalf of unhoused individuals around the state.

During the event, organizers met with lawmakers to discuss their needs to expand emergency shelter beds to ensure no one has to sleep outside, invest in programs that cultivate long-term stability, and guarantee everyone in Minnesota has a permanent place to call home. Eight speakers addressed positive community outcomes in response to COVID-19, partnerships in communities across the state and the need for ongoing investments in programs like the Emergency Services Program, Housing Support Program and Shelter Capital.

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