The idea is that we provide ... a long term stabilization solution to young adults who have experienced homelessness, but then also provide that long term financial stabilization to landlords that are just trying to help people out. – Margaret Krueger, NWMF
The Northwest Minnesota Foundation seeks landlords to take part in their Landlord Risk Mitigation Fund initiative that aims to help homeless youth in their transition to becoming successful renters. Northwest Minnesota Foundation serves Beltrami, Clearwater, Hubbard, Kittson, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, and Roseau counties as well as the Red Lake and the White Earth Nations. Margaret Krueger, Program Officer with the Northwest Minnesota Foundation was joined by participating landlord Kyle Baril to discuss the goals and benefits of the program in this conversation with All Thing Considered host Katie Carter.
...when you're working with somebody who is in an assistance-type of program and has a case worker…I think it's just kind of making sure everybody is on the same page…I've had a younger tenant even tell me, ‘I don't even know how to fill out an address to mail an envelope.’ It's crazy that some of the basic skills that some of these young people are lacking, and it's not anything difficult. It's just…if you haven't been talked to or shown, it's understandable. And that's...where I really take enjoyment… helping people, having a safe place for somebody to stay, providing that for them… It's world changing…– Kyle Baril, Participating Landlord, Landlord Risk Mitigation Fund
To get involved or learn more about the Landlord Risk Mitigation Fund, check out the Northwest Minnesota Foundation’s website.
