NORTHWEST CONTINUUM OF CARE NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE RACIAL EQUITY ACCOUNTABILITY PROJECT

October 27, 2021 (Bemidji, MN) – The Minnesota Northwest Continuum of Care (NWCoC) is seeking applicants to join the Racial Equity Accountability Project (REAP). Members will serve as the NWCoC’s community advisory council to identify and dismantle racial injustice within the region’s homeless response system.

The racial disparities within the homeless response system are striking. Currently, African American, Indigenous, Latinx (o)(a), and households of color experience homelessness at a rate that is 7 to 8 times higher than their representation within the general population. REAP is a two-year cohort, hosted by the Minnesota Engagement on Shelter and Housing. This project seeks to advance racial justice and reduce disparities in Minnesota’s homeless response system by establishing a team of leaders to direct the decision-making process for the NWCoC.

Membership will be made up by people who identify as African American, Indigenous, Latinx(o)(a), or a person of color. Membership will also be prioritized to those with lived experience of homelessness or housing insecurity. It is not required that applicants work within, or have experience with, the homeless response system in Northwestern Minnesota, and a diverse set of skills and backgrounds will be greatly valued.

The NWCoC is a network of service providers and homeless response leaders within the Northwest region of Minnesota. The NWCoC will be held accountable to the policies and procedures established by the REAP team. Team members will be empowered to direct the NWCoC in moving toward racial equity and justice within the homeless response system.

Applications are due to NMF by 5 p.m. December 8, 2021. Applications are available online at http://www.nwmf.org/resources/strategic-partnerships/nwcoc/

For questions about the project, contact Margaret Krueger, Program Officer, by emailing margaretk@nwmf.org

The Northwest Minnesota Foundation is a public, charitable foundation serving 12 counties of Northwest Minnesota by investing resources, facilitating collaboration and promoting philanthropy.