We began our day in Detroit Lakes by marching through the city. We were joined by our hosts from White Earth and by one of our newest members from Red Lake. Members of PPERHC met with staff from the Mahube Community Center. We learned that Detroit Lakes has no battered Women’s shelter and that the closest safe house is 50-90 miles away. Because of this, the average women suffering from domestic violence in the city will leave and return to the batterer 8 to 9 times and often will only leave for good when their life is in immediate danger. There are no homeless shelters and no free health clinics in Detroit Lakes, nor is there adequate public transportation. Another problem they raised was that any USDA food programs, like Head Start or soup kitchens, require that they throw all excess food into the garbage each night despite the number of hungry people. Staff at the community center were also very worried about the coming winter since it is clear to them that the current level of government assistance will not be able to cover people’s energy costs, which in Minnesota means that people could freeze to death.

They also shared with us stories of, such as the elderly women who was found living in an abandoned chicken coupe, or the person living in an oil drum.

Other members of PPEHRC went to the food bank to see what the food bank process was like there. One woman discusses with us how the food would only last her family of five two to three weeks, but people are only allowed to utilize the food shelf six times per year.

We spent the night at the Refuge, a place that offers free meals and spiritual guidance to those in need. We had a wonderful discussion of how neither the Democratic party nor the Republican party are doing the lords work, since neither is shining a light on the issues of the poor nor walking with the poor as Jesus taught. The generosity and love that these Christians shared with us that evening was overwhelming. We were especially moved by their prayer for us and we won’t forget our new friends.

Labels: Detroit Lakes, March for Our Lives 2008, MN Caravan