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Duluth is facing many challenges, including housing vacancy and affordability which has a disproportionate impact on low- and moderate-income households. More than half of Duluthians who rent are paying more than they can afford for housing, which impacts the capacity of businesses to attract employees to the community. Housing availability and affordability are directly related to economic development. A Neilsberg Research analysis of US Census data compared Duluth to MN cities with populations exceeding 50,000 residents. Duluth ranks 18th out of 19 for median household income, falling almost to the bottom in household income range among all large MN cities. It’s no surprise then that a recent study by the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies indicates nearly 1 in 3 Duluth renters are severely cost-burdened, spending more than 50% of their income on housing costs. Using data compiled by the Census and the American Community Survey, 32.2% of Duluthians are spending 50% of their income on housing, and 50.5% of renters are cost-burdened by spending 30-50% of their income on housing. “According to the study, average rent sat at $950 a month, while the average renter household’s income was just above $27,800. Sumair Sheikh, executive director of LISC pointed to an example of someone who said a 250-square-foot studio which they had rented for $425 in 2017 is now going for $950 in 2024.” John Cole points to the analysis of affordable housing in 2019 by Maxfield Research, which identified a need of 3,500 additional units in affordable multi-family housing. (To see the full study, visit https://duluthmn.gov/media/9677/city-of-duluth_update-of-aff_workforce-hsg-need-final.pdf). Housing units being constructed are primarily at market rate prices and therefore cater mostly to professionals who have found above median income employment in our city. Even so, our health care employers, St. Luke's and Essentia Health, continue to discuss the need for affordable and workforce housing to support their expanding employment bases. The need for housing to serve low- and moderate-income households remains strong, particularly for those taking lower wage jobs in sectors with growing employment opportunities. At Chum, 41% of those on the wait list for subsidized housing have been there for more than two years. There are simply not enough housing units available, and the number of people living unhoused continues to rise. St. Louis County reports a 41% rise in overall homelessness and 157% rise in chronic homelessness in the ten years from 2013 – 2023. Duluth community leaders are struggling with funding allocation decisions that involve economic development and affordable housing. The City Council has previously allocated funds to the HRA of Duluth, and our City Administration has asked them to reallocate some of the same funds to economic development. Councilors are split on this issue, which will come up for a vote again at their May meeting. Please visit https://www.chumduluth.org/advocacy and click on the “Advocate for Better Housing Today” button for more information and how you can influence housing in Duluth. If you would like to see more like this, please join Chum’s Advocacy Team to receive updates and action alerts! Sign up here: https://www.tfaforms.com/5119818

by Rhubarbara Stalk So, you want to grow rhubarb as big as this huh? Well it takes a bit more than your average gardener to grow a leaf bigger than this. As the sun starts shining brighter and the birds start chirping louder, it's time to get our gardens groovin' for the springtime fiesta! And what better way to kick off the party than with the vibrant and tangy taste of rhubarb? This versatile ingredient is like the life of the garden party, adding a pop of flavor to everything from pies to sauces. So, let's dive into the essential steps for getting your rhubarb ready to rock the season ahead! 1. Dividing the Root: To get your rhubarb revved up for the season, it's time for a little root remix. Grab your gardening tools and dig up that old root, being sure to channel your inner rhubarb rockstar as you do. Once you've unearthed it, give it a good split into pieces with at least one bud in each. It's like giving your plant a backstage pass to the springtime show! 2. Replanting: Now that your rhubarb is ready to rock, it's time to find it a prime spot in the garden. Choose a sunny location with soil that's as rich as a rockstar's backstage rider. Plant your rhubarb divisions, cover them up with a little soil blanket, and get ready to watch them grow and shine like the rockstars they are! 3. Soil Serenade: Give your rhubarb the VIP treatment by serenading it with some soulful soil preparation. Mix in some compost like it's confetti at a concert, creating a fertile playground for your rhubarb to strut its stuff. Trust us, your rhubarb will thank you with a symphony of deliciousness! 4. Mulching and Watering: Keep the party going by mulching your rhubarb with a cozy blanket of straw. It's like giving your plants a little rest after their rockin' performance. And don't forget to water them when they're thirsty – even rockstars need a drink now and then! 5. Maintenance Mayhem: To keep your rhubarb rocking all season long, give it a little maintenance TLC. Add some composted manure for a nutrient boost and show those pesky seed stalks the door before they crash the party. With a little love and care, your rhubarb will be ready to steal the show all season long! So there you have it, folks – the ultimate guide to getting your rhubarb ready to rock the springtime scene! Get ready to groove to the rhythm of rhubarb and enjoy a season filled with deliciousness and garden party vibes. Thanks y'all. If you are planning to come out to the Rhubarb Festival on June 29th to see ME mark those calendars and pray for sunshine!

March brought new beginnings to our community as we welcomed a new tenant to our midst. At our residential complex, we cherish the opportunity to welcome individuals into their new homes and assist them in settling comfortably into their units. As part of our ongoing efforts to ensure every resident feels at home, we are actively working on fixing up rooms with the help of our dedicated maintenance team. If you have any full- or queen-sized mattresses, nightstands, dressers, small tables, or comfortable chairs in good condition that you're looking to donate, we would be incredibly grateful. Your contributions help us create warm and inviting spaces for our new tenants. Moreover, we invite you to join us in setting up rooms and preparing them for rental. Whether you're an individual looking to lend a helping hand or a congregational group seeking a community involvement opportunity, your assistance in staging furniture and making our spaces inviting is invaluable. It's not just about furnishing rooms; it's about creating a sense of belonging for those who call our community home. With the arrival of spring, we're gearing up to beautify our surroundings by planting flowers in our gardens. If you're passionate about gardening and would like to contribute by donating flowers, we would love to hear from you. Your generosity will help us add vibrant colors and fragrances to our shared spaces, enhancing the beauty of our community. In addition to providing comfortable living spaces, we strive to foster connections and create memorable experiences for our residents. One such event is our monthly bingo night, hosted by a dedicated staff member. This event has become a favorite among tenants, offering them an opportunity to socialize, have fun, and win exciting prizes. To ensure the success of these gatherings, we welcome donations of gift cards, which enable us to purchase prizes from the Dollar Store. Your contributions help make our bingo nights even more enjoyable for everyone involved. For any inquiries or to express your interest in contributing to our community initiatives, please don't hesitate to contact us at 218-491-7811 ext. 102. Your support and involvement are deeply appreciated as we continue to create a welcoming and vibrant community for all.

by Food Shelf Director, Scott Van Daele March is almost here and, the Minnesota March FoodShare Campaign will begin on February 26th and will continue until April 6th.  I want to thank you for your past support.  Because of the efforts of groups like yours, the 2023 campaign raised $91,630 and 69,188 pounds. Our goal for this year is to raise $100,000 and 50,000 pounds of food to stock our shelves, and we can achieve that success in this campaign with your help. During 2023, the Food Shelf distributed 533,152 pounds of food to 15,781 people in Duluth. Our Food Shelf was a major source of each visiting family’s nutrition throughout the year. Together we are fulfilling our call to feed the hungry. So what do we need?? More money, or more food?? We need both! But the Food Shelf can do much more with money.  As a member of Second Harvest Food Bank, our money goes much farther than it would shopping at Super One or Cub Foods. For every $1 that gets donated, we can buy $3 worth of food—that’s three times more!!! We hope you will all get creative, have fun, and help us raise funds and food! We can’t do this alone! Please let us know if you are on board to help.  Resources for awareness material like posters, hunger fact sheets and other informational forms can be found at http://www.mnfoodshare.org/resources/  If you have questions or want to more information, I am always available to help at 218.727.2391. THE TIME TO DONATE IS NOW, BUT LET’S GET TO THE DETAILS ON FOOD DONATIONS! So, you’re ready to donate food to the Food Shelf. That’s great! Whether you’re starting a food drive or just planning to grab a few extra items for donation while out grocery shopping, there are a couple of things you should know about what you can (and should) donate and what Chum won’t accept. What food you CAN donate to Chum: This part is pretty easy. Chum accepts dry and canned food donations. What does that mean? Basically, any food that is “shelf-stable” or nonperishable – you can keep it in your pantry and it won’t go bad. And remember, only donate food that hasn’t reached its “sell-by” date yet. Specifically, Chum often need items like: Peanut butter (Small Jars-16oz) Canned soup (Non Cream) Canned fruit Canned vegetables Canned stew and Canned Pasta Canned fish Canned beans Pasta Rice Cereal That’s not an exhaustive list, but it covers much of what Chum regularly needs. Additionally, Chum accepts NEW personal care and household items since many families struggle to afford them and aren’t covered by other food assistance programs like SNAP. Look in your pantry if you’re still stumped about what to donate. Families struggling with hunger often can’t afford the staples that we normally have stocked at home. So, check your pantry out and go from there. Even specialty foods like olive oil, dressings, or marinades can be helpful if they don’t need to be refrigerated. What not to donate to Chum: The number one rule to remember is this: if your donation is perishable, i.e., it’s something with a limited shelf life if not refrigerated, Chum can’t accept it. But there are other categories of food that you can’t donate. We've broken it all down into this handy list: Items needing refrigeration: As we've already mentioned, this is the big one. Food like produce, dairy, and meat can spoil easily and we often times do not have the refrigerator or freezer space needed to keep these items fresh. While an individual can’t donate a bunch of bananas or a frozen turkey, Chum works directly with farmers, retailers, restaurants, and other companies to source these perishable foods for donation. Expired food: When considering what to donate, think about what you’d be comfortable serving your family. Chances are, you don’t eat food that’s past its “use-by” or “sell-by” date, so avoid donating anything past those dates as it could be unsafe to eat. Leftovers: While it may be tempting to want to share the bountiful food from big meals like Thanksgiving, it’s best to keep leftovers for the family. To ensure the people they serve are safe, Chum can’t accept leftovers or anything made in personal kitchens because they aren’t individually sealed and Chum can’t verify the ingredients or preparation process. Food with packaging concerns: This includes food with damaged packaging such as dented or bloated cans, packaging that is already open, or even items in glass containers, which can shatter and cause food safety concerns for any other food they’re stored near. A good rule of thumb is if you wouldn't consider buying it new, don't donate it. Baked goods: Similar to leftovers, since Chum can’t confirm how your baked goods were made or their ingredients, they can’t be donated. But, Chum has relationships with local restaurants and bakeries which will donate extra food that is properly labeled and handled to Chum.

Hey there, incredible advocates! Today, we're diving into a topic close to our hearts – advocating for legislation to help those experiencing homelessness. As older women who have seen the world change, we understand the power of collective voices in making a difference. Let's explore how simple yet impactful advocacy can be in creating positive change for our fellow community members. Why Advocacy Matters: In our ever-evolving world, advocacy plays a crucial role in shaping legislation that addresses the needs of the most vulnerable in our society. Homelessness is a complex issue, but our collective voice has the power to influence policies that provide support, housing, and care for those in need. The Power of Your Voice: You might be wondering, "How can my voice make a difference?" Well, let's break it down. Legislators are elected to represent the interests of their constituents. By expressing our concerns and desires for change, we are reminding them of the issues that matter to us – and homelessness is undoubtedly one of them. Simple Steps to Advocate: Stay Informed: Knowledge is power. Stay informed about local and national policies related to homelessness. Attend community meetings, read up on proposed legislation, and understand the current challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness. Engage with Legislators: Reach out to your local representatives. Attend town hall meetings or schedule a meeting with them to discuss your concerns. Share personal stories or the stories of others affected by homelessness to humanize the issue. Utilize Social Media: In this digital age, social media is a powerful tool. Share information, articles, and personal insights about homelessness. Use platforms like Twitter and Facebook to engage with your community and legislators. Join Advocacy Groups: There's strength in numbers. Joining advocacy groups focused on homelessness amplifies your voice. These groups often organize events, write petitions, and collaborate with legislators to bring about change. Encourage Others: Inspire friends, family, and community members to join the cause. The more people advocating for change, the louder our collective voice becomes. Advocating for legislation to help those experiencing homelessness is not just a responsibility; it's a privilege. By using our voices, we can contribute to a society that cares for all its members. Let's embark on this journey together, making advocacy a simple yet powerful part of our lives. Remember, change starts with us, and our voices have the potential to transform lives. Let's be the advocates our community needs! If you are interested in learning more, we are providing an advocacy training at Pilgrim Congregational Church: Saturday, February 24th from 9-11 AM 2310 East 4th Street, Duluth If you are interested in joining us sign up here: https://www.tfaforms.com/5105275

We are now halfway through the commemoration of our 50th anniversary year. What a ride it has been, and how much further we have to go: continuing to march forward for change, breaking fundraising records, and constant progress to make sure all of our neighbors have a safe, warm, and consistent place to live. It is when we as individuals feel the full measure of compassion and empathy for our brothers and sisters experiencing homelessness that Duluth will see change. Supporting organizations like ours is one thing. But, taking your coat off your back to give to someone without is another. That is the attitude we need to have if we ever want to see the number of people experiencing homelessness stop rising. Yes, we are saying that it will take that kind of support and love to see a decrease in the number of people experiencing homelessness. You have made a big difference this year. We are all tired, mostly of seeing friends and family struggling. But, we must continue to push forward. We see multiple messages every month from someone right on the verge of becoming homeless. I connect them with the resources that they need, and hope for the best. Often times I wish there was more I could do. Knowing that countless people in our community are so close to disaster is heart-wrenching. It is only the fact that our community has done so much work thus far that I retain hope for what is to come. We ask not only for your support but for everyone to act together to stop the rising numbers of homelessness.

In the heart of Duluth, Minnesota, a city known for its natural beauty and warm community spirit, there exists a sobering reality - homelessness. This blog post shines a light on the inspiring journey of a woman who, against all odds, persevered through the hardships of living in her camper van and found hope through the unwavering support of Chum, a dedicated nonprofit organization in Duluth. For years, Mary (fake name to protect her identity) found herself in a difficult situation, relying on her camper van as her makeshift home. As the cold Minnesota winters swept through, she endured the bitter chill with resilience and determination. Her van became both her refuge and her challenge, constantly requiring repairs to remain functional and mobile. Amidst the struggles of homelessness, Mary found a beacon of hope in Chum's street outreach program. The organization's dedicated outreach worker, was a constant presence, offering a compassionate ear and essential supplies to help Mary cope with the challenges she faced. Through regular check-ins and genuine care, they forged a bond of trust and support that would prove to be life-changing for Mary. As Mary's journey continued, she encountered Chum's comprehensive services that extended far beyond the streets. With our Street Outreach Worker's assistance, Mary was connected to resources, including warm meals, access to hygiene facilities, and support in her search for stable housing. The sense of community fostered by Chum's outreach program became a lifeline for Mary as she navigated her way towards a brighter future. Through the combined efforts of Chum and the indomitable spirit of Mary, a transformative moment arrived. After years of hardship, Mary received the news she had been hoping for – an opportunity to move into the St. Francis Apartments, a supportive housing community provided by Chum. The joy and relief Mary experienced were palpable, and it marked the beginning of a new chapter in her life. Chum's impactful outreach work, exemplified by our Outreach Worker's dedication, would not be possible without the support of the community. For those inspired by Mary's story and the organization's commitment to creating lasting change, volunteering in Duluth can be a rewarding way to make a difference. As Chum continues its efforts to combat homelessness, volunteers play a crucial role in creating a more compassionate and supportive community for those in need. Mary's journey from living in her camper van to finding stable housing at St. Francis Apartments is a testament to the power of resilience and compassion. Through the unwavering dedication of Chum's street outreach program, Mary was able to rebuild her life, proving that even amidst the harshest of circumstances, hope and support can flourish. As Chum continues to provide aid and warmth to those experiencing homelessness in Duluth, the stories of transformation like Mary's serve as a reminder that together, we can create lasting change and empower lives.

We hope this blog finds you in good spirits as we gear up for the much-anticipated annual Rhubarb Festival! This year, we are recognizing Chum's 50th anniversary and are hoping we can all make this event extra special! We are thrilled to announce that the festival will be taking place on Saturday, June 24th, and we extend a huge thank you to Stella Maris Academy for hosting again this year. As the festival draws near, we are reaching out to our incredible supporters, like you, to ask for your support and participation as volunteers. Volunteering at the Rhubarb Festival is an excellent opportunity to engage with fellow community members, showcase your talents, and contribute to the success of this exciting event. Whether you are a passionate foodie, a music lover, or simply someone who wants to give back, there is a volunteer role for everyone. The success of the Rhubarb Festival relies on the dedication and support of volunteers like you. We are in need of hundreds of volunteers to ensure the smooth operation of the festival and create a memorable experience for all attendees. Here are some of the volunteer roles available: Rhubarb Harvesters Kitchen Support Sign Distributors And much more You can sign up for any role that suits you best by clicking the button below. We still need HUNDREDS of volunteer spots to be filled!

The new year is here and so are new needs for Chum, so that we can help people experiencing homelessness in Duluth. This new year has already brought many happy moments and hard ones. Working with people who are experiencing homelessness in Duluth, MN is incredibly rewarding and challenging. Our shelter, in downtown Duluth, has seen some amazing improvements. The coast guard completely overhauled the space and it now feels brand new. But, we are seeing far more people at the shelter this year. We are at or beyond capacity most nights. And instead of having a bed to sleep in, we can only provide more space on the floor for folks using the shelter. If you are able to help in any way please visit our giving page to see how you can help. Gifts of time and money are our biggest need right now. Thank you so much for your support!

What does spring look like for nonprofits in Duluth, MN? Spring is full of change. Snow melting, leaves budding, rhubarb beginning to sprout. 70-degree days followed by a snowstorm the next. This is what spring in Minnesota brings. The people we serve also experience many changes in the springtime, and we play an important role in supporting them through these transitions. For individuals experiencing homelessness or financial instability, the arrival of spring can mean a chance for renewal and a fresh start. However, it can also be a time of increased need, as families may be struggling to provide food and shelter for themselves and their loved ones. We work to provide support and resources to those in need throughout the year, but spring can be a particularly crucial time for our organization and others like us. As the warmer weather and longer days of spring arrive, non-profit organizations typically experience a rise in the number of people seeking shelter, food, or other support services. Specifically, we need help catching up with our goal for the March Food Drive. We did not meet our goal in March, and this is a crucial time for us to gather food for the families we serve, as going into summer, families are more pressed to provide food with their kids being home, which places more stress on our food shelf. We want all of the shelves to be completely full so we can continue to provide thousands of families with whole and nutritious food!

We need your help to fill the food shelf, in Duluth MN We wanted to take a moment to tell you about the importance of the Minnesota Food Share March Food Drive. This annual event is a statewide effort to help stock food shelves and to support hunger relief organizations throughout Minnesota. For more than 40 years, the March Food Drive has been a critical source of support for individuals and families in need. And we need your help. The March Food Drive is organized by Minnesota FoodShare, a program of the Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches. During this month-long event, individuals, businesses, and organizations are encouraged to donate food, funds, and volunteer hours to their local food shelves. Every dollar donated during the March Food Drive can be turned into three dollars of food. The need for food has grown significantly over the past few years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many people have lost their jobs or had their income reduced, making it difficult to put food on the table. According to Minnesota FoodShare, more than 1 in 10 Minnesotans are experiencing food insecurity, and that number is even higher for children and seniors. We encourage everyone to get involved in the Minnesota Food Share March Food Drive in whatever way they can. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those who are experiencing food insecurity. Thank you for your support!

Needed Growth, Shelter Expansion Next Steps, and Updates From Chum Thank you so much for engaging with us and supporting your community. Our support staff, family coaches, youth advocates, safety aides, and the entire team could not do what we do without your support. Because of your time, energy, advocacy, and giving heart, we are able to continue our work in Duluth. Families are fed, children are housed, and people feel dignity and hope that may, at one point, have been lost. Clearly, the number of people experiencing homelessness has been on the rise. We see more and more new people every day. Something needs to change. Which is why we have been preparing to grow for greater service. Growing for greater services not only means growing our number of staff, it means helping our staff grow as professionals. It means actually growing our building and expanding our shelter. We are trying to grow for greater service because the need for our services has outgrown us. We are looking for staff to support our guests. And we are looking for advocates to assist us in expanding our shelter. Thank you for your continued support. With your help, we can all make Duluth a more just and compassionate community.