Hope Center is Safe Social Environment but is it Essential?

by Trinity Gruenberg

trinity@inhnews.com

The Wadena County Commissioners held their regular meeting on February 10.

Future of the Hope Center

Human Services Director Jennifer Westrum reported that Oak Ridge and Westview would end their contract to operate the Hope Center. She, along with colleagues Amy Gendron and Amelia Hutson, discussed four options, including potentially closing the Hope Center.

Westrum highlighted that this would leave Wadena County without a drop-off center, negatively impacting many residents.

Instead, Human Services proposed taking over daily operations of the Hope Center, keeping it open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Staff would be present two days a week, ensuring regular users have access to showers, laundry, warmth, and a social space. The hiring criteria would require staff to have experience with mental health challenges or a close family relation who has.

Westrum explained that the funding available would support this plan until the end of 2026 without needing additional money. However, she noted that continuing operations after 2026 would add a part-time position to the county’s budget, and basic costs like utilities would remain whether the center is open or not. Human Services has a total of $66,177 available for the Hope Center for the remainder of the year with the funds that would have been for the contract, CSP grant and AMHI funds...

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