County HHS Assisting Red Pine Estates Residents

BELTRAMI COUNTY, MN – On Friday, June 30th, 2023 Beltrami County received information that residents of Red Pine Estates, a large apartment complex in the City of Bemidji, had received notice from the City that they were being forced to vacate the facility due to structural integrity concerns. Beltrami County Health and Human Services (HHS) immediately began coordinating with Beltrami County Emergency Management (EM) and city staff to determine the anticipated needs of those who were being displaced.

The flow of information and dialogue has been challenging and the exact number of those needing assistance is unknown. Beltrami County HHS have been actively assisting clients who have case management with Beltrami County and assisting others by attempting to connect them with resources. On July 6th, 2023 Beltrami County HHS was on site to provide information and applications for assistance to those who need it. The lack of available housing in Bemidji is making relocation difficult for some. Those that have been displaced and would like to check their eligibility for public assistance can contact HHS at 218-333-8300.

"Being displaced is a tremendous burden, especially with less than a week's notice," said Anne Lindseth, Beltrami County HHS Director. Lindseth continued, "The county is equipped with very limited resources and funding in a situation like this, but we are doing our best to connect people with other resources and services." Beltrami County EM Director Christopher Muller said, "This entire situation is unfortunate, making it worse is that it is unlike a tornado or natural disaster, this type of incident doesn't open the door for assistance and resources through our programs. We are assisting to the capacity and within the authority we can with all of our partners."

The County is not a housing agency. It provides limited housing services to qualified and eligible residents. Not all residents in Red Pine meet these requirements which is complicating the response. Nevertheless, County officials will remain onsite to try to find housing for eligible and non-eligible residents and educate residents on other available public programs.