Volunteering: a great alternative to partying
During this time of social distancing, online classes and working, it seems the easy thing for students to do would be to shut their doors and isolate. This isolation can [...]
My View: After 35 years, homeless battle continues
The 35th birthday of the Welcome Inn, Mankato’s shelter for people experiencing homelessness, passed quietly this summer. I started volunteering at the Welcome Inn during the winter of 1986. Within [...]
County starts budgeting process amid myriad uncertainties
MANKATO — Blue Earth County is poised to set a preliminary levy increase of 5% for next year, but it’s a number that several commissioners say they hope to reduce [...]
Spear: Homeless project part of public service
Public service remains a hallmark of Free Press journalism, and we see it as an even more important mission now as communities grapple with social and economic upheaval in the [...]
Mankato non-profits awarded Women’s Foundation grants
MANKATO — Two Mankato non-profits are among 35 recipients of recent Women’s Foundation of Minnesota COVID-19 Women and Girls Response Fund general-operating grants. • Partners for Affordable Housing was awarded [...]
Counterpoint: Outstate, the homeless crisis is lack of shelters
The commentary “All policy levers must be used to meet needs” (June 25) did a great job of highlighting the need for more affordable housing. It’s vitally important to pass [...]
Community Briefs – Volunteers Needed for Week of Action
MANKATO — Bicycle donations will be accepted during The Remember Me Too Movement’s “Celebration of Unity” event Saturday at St. Thomas More Catholic Newman Center, 1502 Warren St. The bikes [...]
Community Response Fund distributes $9,000
MANKATO — This week’s round of Community Response Fund grants awarded $9,000 to two community organizations. • Partners for Affordable Housing was awarded $6,000 for personal hygiene and sanitation items, [...]
Partners for Affordable Housing: Pandemic exacerbates housing struggles
W here people live affects all parts of their lives. It affects access to food, transportation, health care, safety, employment, education and more – and can determine whether families thrive. [...]
Evictions could increase demand for homeless services
MANKATO — If Gov. Tim Walz doesn’t extend Minnesota’s eviction moratorium Wednesday, nonprofit leaders anticipate an uptick in people seeking homeless services. Walz’s halt on evictions — a relief for [...]