BEMIDJI — The Community Resource Center for locals continuing cleanup efforts after the disastrous severe weather in Bemidji last weekend moved to a new location.
On Friday, June 27, resources and relief moved away from the initial crisis hub at the Sanford Center to a more accessible spot — a former bank building in downtown Bemidji. Whether in search of supplies, groceries or even a hot meal, Bemidjians flocked to the location at 429 Minnesota Ave NW as the first day of operations began for the new center.
Beltrami County Public Health Director Amy Bowles said during the first night at the Sanford Center, shelter was provided for around 100 people. The second night, only seven people needed shelter, and they've now been placed in area hotels.
The decision to move downtown to the former First National Bank, according to Bowles, made sense.
"Since people are kind of now in action mode and what we call the response mode right now, it's, 'OK, where can people come now that they can get out to get the resources and services that they need and get connected?'" Bowles said. "So really we're doing what Public Health does best, and that's connecting.”
Salvation Army will provide hot meals during lunch and dinner, with delivery services available for those who need it. American Red Cross volunteers are providing blankets, shelf-stable food and water, as well as cleanup supplies like tarps, shovels and rakes.
Sue Thesenga with the American Red Cross said she has been impressed by the community partners working together through this disaster.
"We help across the United States: hurricane disasters, flood disasters, wildfire disasters. So we are a national organization that helps wherever we're needed, and unfortunately, we're needed right here in Bemidji, Minnesota, right now," she said. "And so we're here and we're helping out. We're doing initial damage assessment so people know where the most damage occurred.”
The Community Resources Center will be open daily from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. through July 2.
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