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Julie: Almost 6 years ago, we were being thrown out on the street. We were homeless.
And the thought of living out of my van with 4 children with absolutely no money . . .
That's a pretty scary thought.
Reyne: We are the only shelter for homeless families in Dakota County.
And the response is, "Homelessness in a suburban setting? I don't get that."
In the last 2 years, people get it. The people we serve are your neighbors.
Erin: When families come here, a lot of the parents, I think just think that they're not great parents.
Just for being here. So I think what we do a great job of here is just
Letting them know that we're here to support them in whatever way it is that we can.
and just pulling from their strengths.
Reyne: The vast majority of our employees have been here for over 9 years.
Erin: What we have to say is valuable.
Just being open to new ideas and just making everyone feel like they belong here.
Reyne: Whatever is important for our employees, to keep them happy and to keep them satisfied
and to keep them challenged is important to me. That makes them better workers.
Julie: I believe I was there about 8 months.
I got a job. They're all doing very very good in school.
Reyne: 89% of our residents do indeed go from being homeless one time,
to shelter one time, to a home of their own, never to be homeless again.
And we follow up for up to 2 years with each and every family.
Erin: Once they're out the door, that doesn't mean they're fine and dandy and everything's okay.
You still need help and you still need to know that somebody cares.
Reyne: Our board gives 100%, they are actively involved.
They all give financially to this organization themselves.
Julie: I'm happy. And my children are happy.
They were the start of my road to happiness.