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Local church‑led warming resources group outlines services and ongoing shelter search
Summary
Pastor Grace Baldridge described the Safe Place/Warming Resources effort, saying the volunteer nonprofit has raised about $15,000, distributes laundry coupons, bus tokens and clothing, and has explored over 20 properties for a one‑night emergency shelter.
Pastor Grace Baldridge of the United Methodist Church in Hayward updated the Sawyer County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council on Feb. 11 about a local effort called Safe Place (formerly warming houses).
Baldridge said the volunteer group provides laundry coupons, clothing and tokens for the Namakoggan bus, maintains a free store of donated goods, and coordinates with the Salvation Army and other local partners. ‘‘We have looked at over 20 options’’ for a permanent warming‑house site, she said, and ‘‘we have raised about $15,000 in those 2 years.’’ The group is registered as a nonprofit and is accepting donations.
Because a permanent site has not been secured, Baldridge said the group focuses on small, immediate supports and on helping people reach shelters in Duluth, Superior and other cities when space is available. Council members and participants discussed referral pathways and the role of Salvation Army as the most visible local access point for services.
The council thanked Baldridge and noted volunteers and other local programs (library youth activities, Timber Bay youth nights) are filling gaps identified in the county’s community health assessment. No formal action or funding request was recorded at the meeting; Baldridge offered contact information for the group and asked members to share resources and donation opportunities.
The CJCC will circulate the presenter’s contact information and consider coordination with county intake points for people seeking shelter or transport.
