Forces Immediate Need for Non-Profit’s Food, Clothing and Basic Needs
Services*
*(Minneapolis, MN, February 21, 2018)* – For more than seven years, FOCUS
Minnesota has served vulnerable populations from their rented basement on
East Lake Street. Due to new ownership and an unsustainable rent increase,
FOCUS is forced to move operations immediately, and is looking for new
space in which to serve clients. The space must be in an area of economic
need, where FOCUS can break down barriers of access and cost for goods and
services like food, clothing, laundry, and soon, medical services.
Specific requirements are a minimum of 5,000 square feet, ground floor
space or two levels with an elevator, and bathroom and kitchen facilities
(or plumbed adequately to be able to build out). Because the clientele has
low-income and/or is homeless, the building must be easily accessible by
foot or public transportation.
FOCUS will offer services throughout this transition period, even if that
means temporarily parceling programs to different venues. Client needs are
great, and FOCUS provides, on average, 150 free Sunday evening meals, 1,000
clothing and household items weekly, supplemental food distribution twice a
month to 60 households, 125 weekly brown bag meals through low-income
neighborhood schools and homeless youth support agencies, and partnerships
with local businesses and social services. All services are provided free
of charge.
To date, over 4,000 people/households have registered for basic-needs
assistance through FOCUS, positively affecting nearly 10,000 Twin Cities
residents. OneSunday night guest, Richard, said, “The reason that I come is
I'm disabled, and sometimes cooking meals is difficult for me. When I can
have someone cook for me, I really appreciate it.”
This helper of the homeless is soon to be homeless themselves, but FOCUS
and its volunteers are determined to find a permanent space to offer
kindness, compassion and support. If you can offer any assistance or would
like more information on this topic, please contact Executive Director Vera
Proctor at <email obscured> or (651) 324-2705.