Caring Causes - Down for the Challenge Rappelling Event (MN)

  This weekend, more than 150 adventurous Minnesotans will be rappelling down the 155-foot Omni Viking Lakes Hotel, with the goal of raising needed funds to assist the homeless and those who may soon be facing eviction. The third annual Down For The Challenge is being presented by the Minnesota Vikings to help support Salvation Army housing programs—providing food, shelter, and mentoring to help people achieve self-sufficiency.

 

Homelessness has risen 30% in recent years, with as many as 20,000 Minnesotans¹ without a place to live on any given night. Furthermore, evictions are on the rise, as 75,000 Minnesota households² are behind in their rent and could potentially lose their current homes. In addition, there were a record-setting 5.5 million visits to Minnesota food shelves last year, an increase of 45% as compared to the peak of the pandemic³—all triggered by the worst U.S. inflation in 40 years.

 

“Because of high prices for food, rent, utilities, and gas, The Salvation Army has seen a 30% increase in requests for services,” said Lt. Colonel Randall Polsley, Salvation Army Northern Division commander. “As a result, people are struggling to keep their homes because of these rising costs. This event will help provide relief to those who are homeless and to those on the verge of eviction.”

 

For those not able to participate in the event, donations can still be made at DownForTheChallenge.com.

 

 

¹ https://www.wilder.org/mnhomeless

² https://nationalequityatlas.org/rent-debt

³ https://www.hungersolutions.org/hunger-data/

 

 

 

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The Salvation Army Northern Division last year helped 300,000 people overcome poverty, addiction and economic hardship through a range of social services, meeting human needs without discrimination. This year, new struggles caused by food shortages, inflation, increased energy costs and the threat of eviction have elevated the numbers of those seeking assistance.

 

By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army Northern Division is #DoingTheMostGood at 77 operation centers in Minnesota and North Dakota. For more information about The Salvation Army Northern Division, please visit SalvationArmyNorth.org.