Churches United Holds Open House

Sorry, this video is no longer available

 Churches United for the Homeless in Moorhead opened its doors for the community.

They held an open house where people took tours and learned more about the growing issue of homelessness in the community.
 
Dozens of visitors came to the open house at Churches United.
They explored the places where Stephanie Brown finds herself a lot of the time.
 
“I come here daily to eat and shower, and I can wash my clothes and I can hang out when it’s cold outside and have nowhere to go,” said Brown.
 
She has three kids and found herself homeless while looking for jobs in the twin cities, Fergus Falls, and here in Moorhead.
 
“I get lonely at times; I don’t know a lot of the people. So that staff, they talk to you, they try to cheer you up,” said Brown.
 
The tours were a way to help the community get engaged with the issue of homelessness.
 
“I think it’s important for people to see the place that is a temporary home for people who are trying to get back into housing,” said Churches United Executive Director Jane Alexander.
 
For some people receiving the tours it was an eye opening experience, and it may drive them to help out the homeless community here in the valley.
 
Sue Nelson traveled from Ada to Moorhead for the tour of the shelter.

She came with family to see what she can do to help out.
 
“Humbling, I like hearing about what is trying to be offered here is love, grace, hospitality and service, and keeping those goals first and foremost,” said Nelson.
 
The shelter needs more help from the community during the spring.
 
“We see more families in the spring, and that is where I mean, last week we hit our peak of eight families on overflow,’ said Nelson.
 
It’s an opportunity for people in the area to put themselves in someone else’s shoes.
 
“I really appreciate them and just the fact that they opened their doors you know, because I think I’m here a lot,” said Brown.
 
And just because someone is homeless, doesn’t mean they are helpless.
 
To learn how you can help Churches United for the Homeless you can visit http://www.churches-united.org/ways-to-help