Local Solutions for Local Needs
Driving kids home after a social gathering was typical for Amanda Starks whose home was a common meeting spot for her kids’ teen and pre-teen friends. But this time was different.
That evening several years ago, as Amanda and her daughter drove friends home, she learned that there would be no parents waiting up for *Grayson when he arrived. He and his sister were “couch surfing” (sleeping on one friend’s couch, then another’s, and another’s…) wherever they could for one night, or a week of nights, at a time. Not yet in high school, these two young teens were trying to keep their parentless family together by raising younger siblings themselves. Amanda was shocked. Responsible, polite, dressed in name-brand clothing, there was no outward indication that this young teen was balancing such an unimaginable burden in this Minnesota small town.
Local solutions to meet Grayson’s circumstances were sorely lacking, but Amanda’s research led her to Rachel’s Light, a newly forming women and children’s shelter – a potential resource for Grayson, and an unexpected new role for as the organization’s first Executive Director.
Since opening their doors in September 2019, Rachel’s Light has worked to help women and children with few alternative options. “It’s not just giving a bed at night; it’s about helping them with the skills they need to improve their circumstances.” Rachel’s Light equips residents through a mentorship program, offers budgeting and financial classes, provides transportation for those who are without, and so much more.
There are stringent guidelines about who can stay at a shelter. Men’s shelters, for instance, do not accept children. Housing options for single dads or family groups like Grayson’s are essentially non-existent. But the need is growing and the realities of breaking up families across shelters is difficult for everyone.
Rachel’s Light has had a waiting list since they first opened five years ago. In 2023, they received 168 referrals from the region surrounding Steele County. Today, social work professionals in Steele County schools report that about 160 of the homeless population in Steele County are high school students.
When Rachel’s Light relocates to Oak Hill Community Connections, they will double their housing capacity with increased shelter spaces for women and children and expand their mission to include separate Family Shelter spaces allowing families to remain intact.
Co-locating with other service agencies at Oak Hill Community Connections will benefit both staff and residents of Rachel’s Light. Sometimes the people one agency serves also needs services from another agency. Connecting people with resources will become much easier when agencies are located across the hall rather than across town. Agency staffs will have opportunity to respond to gaps in services that are otherwise missed.
“Locating in the same place will help to improve the way we serve our community. We’re going to change how we’re addressing homelessness. I’m excited to see where we go when we’re standing together.”
*name changed for privacy