MINNEAPOLIS — Leaders at the state’s largest shelter for families experiencing homelessness say they’re still seeing an unprecedented demand for services.
And yes, they realize they’ve had to ring the alarm bell before.
“It’s really challenging to see what’s happening to families and just the demand be what it is for our services right now,” said Jake Gale, Interim CEO of People Serving People in downtown Minneapolis.
Gale says they haven't yet seen an end to the sustained surge that started with the ending of pandemic support programs and rising inflation, which affect the organization both in terms of demand and the cost of their outreach. According to Gale, almost every night, nearly every one of the 99 emergency shelter rooms available at the Minneapolis community is filled with a family needing support — an “overflow” Gale said is persisting across the system.
“Really, everything’s working against families right now — from the economy to local housing inventory to systemic racism — which drives a lot of what we see around this,” Gale said, adding, “Ninety-four percent of the families People Serving People serves are Black, Indigenous and people of color.”
And while those challenges persist, Gale further notes they’ve been bolstered by a growing lack of affordable housing.
“To have seen the need for shelter go from what it was under Minnesota’s eviction moratorium to what it is today, what that translates into is a lot of trauma, a lot of loss for families,” he said, adding that the crisis is exacerbated by the fact families have a harder time regaining housing once their “records” show an eviction.
Gale notes as awareness is increased throughout the greater community and efforts are made to improve housing availability and stability, there's still reason to hope — especially given the resilience shown by the families experiencing homelessness themselves.
“The first thing that gives me hope is our families. The families we’re serving here at People Serving People are among the strongest and most resilient and inspiring people you’ll ever meet,” he told KARE 11’s Karla Hult, who was honored to serve as the emcee of People Serving People’s Staying Sheltered Gala earlier this month.
‘I always wanted to be a helper’
To Jake Gale and others in the People Serving People community, Demetrius White represents that strength, resiliency and inspiration.
“I just really appreciate everything People Serving People has done for me, and how they’ve been there for me and my family,” White shared recently.
In 2018 and 2019, White and his then-2-year-old son first discovered the support of PSP. The organization’s staff walked alongside White as he was diagnosed and received treatment for a mental illness. They continued to walk alongside the young father as he created a new path forward.
“I just told myself, 'I’m not leaving until I find housing for me and my son,'” White recalled.
White and his son did find that housing — and stability — such that today, he’s back at PSP in a professional capacity. As a fellow, White creates positive change within the community; he also guides families who are experiencing the challenges he knows all too well.
“We’re giving you this information to empower you. What you do with it is your choice,” White said about his approach with families.
For White, it’s an opportunity to come full circle, both in his own life and within an organization he believes can make a difference for families and our greater community.
“I always wanted to help. I always wanted to be a helper,” he said, adding what he directly shares with families: “Keep the faith in your Higher Power. Work the program, and be patient... It’s going to be better.”
To learn more about People Serving People – how you can donate or volunteer – just click here.
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