(Blaine) – How big of a problem is homelessness in Minnesota? It’s a lot more serious than many people think.

   According to the latest Wilder Foundation study on Homelessness in Minnesota, on any given night, an estimated 6,000 Minnesota youth experience homelessness. This includes about 2,500 minors age 17 and younger, and 3,500 young adults age 18-24.

   Anoka County is by no means the worst place in the state for homelessness, but the figures indicate at least 50 people under the age of 21 don’t have a bed to call their own on any given night.

   Blaine’s faith and business communities are teaming up to try and help solve the problem of youth homelessness in their community by co-sponsoring the discussion, “Root Causes of Homelessness.” The event will be held at the Chain of Lakes Church, located at 10130 Davenport Street N.E. in Blaine, on Sun., Mar. 24, beginning at 6:30 pm.

   Speakers will include Lisa Jacobson, Executive Director, HOPE 4 Youth; Julie Jeppson, Executive Director, Stepping Stone; Richard Bahr, co-founder of Threshold to New Life and author of “Those People: The True Character of the Homeless;” and Robin Burge-Ross, Counselor at Anoka Regional High School. The four community leaders will share their insights on what leads a person, especially a youth, to become homeless.

   Through their presentation, participants will learn the root causes of homelessness and what they can do about it. Each person will speak for five to ten minutes. Pastor Paul Moore will then moderate a question and answer session after the presentations.

   “A lot of our work in the community is around this issue of youth homelessness, and we partner with Hope for Youth, as well as three partner schools (Blaine High School, Anoka Technical High School and Anoka Regional High School) to help young people who are vulnerable and may even be homeless,” said Pastor Moore. 

   The event is being sponsored by Chain of Lakes Church & Blaine Ham-Lake Rotary.

   EDITOR’S NOTE: To arrange an interview with Pastor Paul Moore, or any of the speakers, contact Rachel M. Anderson, Publicist, 952-240-2513 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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