Community Spotlights 2010

A look at The Faces of Homelessness
by Mike Darrow, Chapter Vice President
December 2010

Margaret Miles is a writer, advocate for the homeless, Director of Development at St. Stephen's and good friend. For many, the images of those who are homeless range from young to old. The fact is that today, more and more people consider themselves homeless. A recent Wilder Foundation Survey (www.wilder.org) shows that more than half of those who are homeless are children and young adults.

Identifying and understanding those who are homeless is an important step in ending homelessness. By putting a face and story behind statistics, we can collectively work toward finding real solutions toward ending homelessness. For years, Margaret has worked toward bringing the faces of those who are homeless out from the streets and into the board room, the class room and community rooms throughout Minnesota. As part of her project entitled “Homeless is my address, not my name" people from across the state are able to see and hear those that are homeless. I recently sat down with Margaret to better understand this important project.


1. Please tell us about this project. How was it started?

I have been telling the stories of people experiencing homelessness for 14 years in this field. It took me that long to realize that the best thing I could do is get myself out of the way and instead create a process by which these folks can tell their own stories, which is ultimately so much more powerful. The interviews take place at Project Homeless Connect, which is a one-stop-shop where homeless folks can get multiple services. This event happens twice a year in Minneapolis and is attended by around 1500 people living on the economic edge. That is a lot of stories that need to be told and heard!

2. What inspired you to do this type of work?

Facts and statistics can only convey so much about social ills. When you can touch someone emotionally with a story, or make a connection where there was none, empathy and change can really happen quickly. This project not only asks people to tell the story of their homelessness, but also their dreams, what they like about themselves, and so on--all in an effort to show that these people have lives, hopes, and experiences outside of homelessness to which the average person can relate. They love their kids, they love to cook and ice skate and watch American Idol, they fear dying alone or being judged...these are things so many people can relate to. We also take portraits of people the way they want to be seen. Not in their most vulnerable, stereotypical moment. My hope is that creating ways for non-homeless people to see and hear from homeless people will help make these connections that lead to a widespread commitment to ending homelessness.

3. Since this project looks at homelessness throughout Minnesota, what differences do you see between homelessness in the metro area and homelessness in greater Minnesota?

Since 2008 we have collected hundreds of stories and portraits of people experiencing urban homelessness. To present a full picture of homelessness in Minnesota we decided in 2010 to travel the state because we know that people's experiences of homelessness in rural and small communities is very different than in the metro. To generalize, we found that small communities that can afford to provide for their poorest citizens were very proud of taking care of their neighbors. I was really moved by spontaneous food shelves or free community meals that popped up when a need was perceived. In other communities where there are no services, people who lose their housing tended to hide or leave town for larger communities, which can be heart-wrenching for them. We encountered people hiding on the outskirts of their own communities (sleeping in trucks, in ice shanties after dark, in state parks) because they didn't have the resources to move elsewhere but they felt too much shame being seen in town by people they grew up with. Larger cities have more services typically, but there is a great sense of people feeling invisible in even the busiest places. And that unless they really connect with an advocate or provider, people feel like numbers, like problems on an assembly line.

4. The rate of children who are homeless has continuously risen throughout Minnesota. How have the faces of homelessness changed over the past two decades?

As you say, the faces of the homeless have gotten younger across the whole country. Fortunately, great strides have been taken to address and prevent family homelessness, so I think that growth has slowed. We're seeing many more youth 18-21, though. They don't always consider themselves homeless right away. They "age out" of foster care or are kicked out by parents. They might couch-surf at friend's houses, but until they wear out their welcome and land in a shelter they don't realize they missed out on a critical piece of parenting, namely being taught how to live independently. Without intervention, these kids are the men and women we'll be seeing in the adult shelters a decade later.

5. How has this project been received by those unfamiliar with the issue of homelessness? What are the main messages that you are hearing?

The best messages we hear are: "My gosh, that guy/woman/kid could be my relative. Or the clerk at Target. Or the school bus driver." We also hear people say that certain stories remind them of mysterious family members--uncles they never met, for example, and makes them wonder if there were similar issues--mental illness, addiction, homelessness in their family that was never spoken about. The best responses are when people ask me, "So, what happened to her or him? Are they OK? Did they ever find housing?" That's when you know you've touched their heart.

6. As planners, designers and public officials, what role do you see APA MN having on working to prevent homelessness across the State?

Affordable housing is the big one. As communities plan development and beautification projects, run-down housing might need to go--that's understandable, but the people living there won't go the way of the wrecking ball. They need a place to be. We can demonstrate over and over again that affordable or supportive housing doesn't bring down property values and that people want to be good neighbors. I love mixed-use projects that acknowledge that lower-income people are an integral and valued part of a community's

7. The rate of children who are homeless has continuously risen throughout Minnesota. How have the faces of homelessness changed over the past two decades?

As you say, the faces of the homeless have gotten younger across the whole country. Fortunately, great strides have been taken to address and prevent family homelessness, so I think that growth has slowed. We're seeing many more youth 18-21, though. They don't always consider themselves homeless right away. They "age out" of foster care or are kicked out by parents. They might couch-surf at friend's houses, but until they wear out their welcome and land in a shelter they don't realize they missed out on a critical piece of parenting, namely being taught how to live independently. Without intervention, these kids are the men and women we'll be seeing in the adult shelters a decade later.

8. How has this project been received by those unfamiliar with the issue of homelessness? What are the main messages that you are hearing?

The best messages we hear are: "My gosh, that guy/woman/kid could be my relative. Or the clerk at Target. Or the school bus driver." We also hear people say that certain stories remind them of mysterious family members--uncles they never met, for example, and makes them wonder if there were similar issues--mental illness, addiction, homelessness in their family that was never spoken about. The best responses are when people ask me, "So, what happened to her or him? Are they OK? Did they ever find housing?" That's when you know you've touched their heart.

9. As planners, designers and public officials, what role do you see APA MN having on working to prevent homelessness across the State?

Affordable housing is the big one. As communities plan development and beautification projects, run-down housing might need to go--that's understandable, but the people living there won't go the way of the wrecking ball. They need a place to be. We can demonstrate over and over again that affordable or supportive housing doesn't bring down property values and that people want to be good neighbors. I love mixed-use projects that acknowledge that lower-income people are an integral and valued part of a community's economics, so let's make sure there's a place for them to live!

10. How can members become involved in preventing homelessness?

My strongest suggestion is to become educated about policy and legislation that affects people in poverty. Homelessness, poverty, lack of health insurance--all of these are extremely expensive for tax-payers. It is so much more cost-effective to keep people in their homes & jobs than to have them using expensive emergency services. I'm especially worried that in this tough economy cutting prevention strategies and social services is going to be attractive to legislators as a quick fix--but it's a ruse because we will all pay in the long run and some people will pay with their lives. For groups who are interested in learning more we offer speakers or forums. We're also happy to give tours of our shelter and other services at St. Stephen's, including affordable and supportive housing that works well.

Finally, we're excited to travel our photo/audio exhibit so that people can hear from individuals and families themselves. I'm happy to give my contact information if anyone is interested: mmiles@ststephensmpls.org or 612-870-2276.

Roseville, MN
November 2010

APA Minnesota Spotlight on Minnesota
Roseville
Patrick Trudgeon, AICP, Community Development Director

What is the greatest part of your job? How long have you been with the City of Roseville?

There are many great things about my job; I get to deal with very interesting and creative people both inside and outside the organization, I get to work on solving challenging and complex issues, and get to see the results of the implementation of policy that I work on as well as see the physical construction of projects that I have input on. However, I take the greatest satisfaction when I am able to help a resident of Roseville with their project or give them a better understanding of how local government operates. Local governments are the most accessible of all governments for citizens and we must remember that we

How long have you been with the City of Roseville?

I have been with the City for 3 years. Previously I was with the City of Ramsey for 7 years and North Branch for 4 years.

How has the economic downturn impacted the City of Roseville?

Roseville has certainly felt the impact of the economic development downturn, but we have been more fortunate than other communities. Our strong commercial base continues to do well. The only empty storefronts we have are more due to company failures (Circuit City and Linens and Things) than our local market. We also not been as impacted by home foreclosures as other communities due to the affordability of most of our housing stock and the fact that many of our residents have lived in their homes for 40+ years and no longer have mortgages. Having said that, we have experienced a slight increase in foreclosures when compared to 2009 that we are concerned about and are monitoring.

What is a unique fact or characteristic about Roseville?

• T-1, the first Target Store in the County was opened in Roseville in 1962 at Snelling and County Road B. It was demolished and rebuilt in 2005.

• Richard Dean Anderson (MacGyver) and Loni Anderson (WKRP in Cincinnati) are graduates of Roseville High School.

• Har Mar Mall was built in 1961 as one of the first enclosed malls in Minnesota and continues to thrive today.
• With 1 in 4 residents over the age of 64, Roseville has the oldest population in Minnesota and is one of the top five oldest populations in the nation.

What is Roseville's most significant planning and/design issue? How are you dealing with them?

As Roseville is built out, all of our development is actually redevelopment. Besides the obvious difficulties of redevelopment- contamination and costs to name a couple- we continue to struggle with the “change” that redevelopment represents. Most people are accepting of development that they live next to as the users most likely were there when they moved in. However, when something new is proposed, it opens the door for strong opinions and opposition. I have always thought that city planning is really about managing change and expectations. While we can’t get rid of controversy with the project, my staff and I have attempted to do greater outreach to the community through the extensive use of the website to provide information as well as requiring developers to hold neighborhood open houses before development is considered by the Planning Commission and City Council. We also try to be as transparent as possible in our reports and presentations by providing as much information as possible and providing valid reasons on why a particular project is supported by staff, instead of the simple reply that ‘the zoning code says the use is allowed’. We are not always successful in dampening the controversy, but it is something that we continually work on.

Faribault, MN
November 2010

APA Minnesota Spotlight on Minnesota
Faribault
Greg Kruschke, AICP, Planning Coordinator

What is the greatest part of your job? How long have you been with the City of Faribault?

I have been with the City of Faribault since March 2003.  The greatest part of my job is the ability to help people.  With this job you can help people realize their dreams, whether it is for the future or the present situation.  I also enjoy the new challenges each day brings.     

How has the economic downturn impacted the City of Faribault?

The downturn has affected Faribault in many of the same ways it has affected other communities throughout Minnesota.  New residential construction has almost come to a halt.  We have seen a few new multi-family buildings being constructed.  The City has worked hard to recruit new businesses and expand our current businesses to fill vacant buildings, vacant land, and storefronts. 

What is Faribault's most significant planning and/design issue? How are you dealing with them?

Faribault's most significant challenge is balancing what developers or the elected officials desire and what our ordinances state.  This leads to attempting to find a balance so everyone gets what they desire in the end and all of the ordinances are met. 

What is a unique fact or characteristic about Faribault?

The MN State Academies for the Deaf and for the Blind, including the State Library for the Blind, are located in the southeast part of the city above the Straight River. Noyes Hall, a  neoclassical building on the campus of Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.   The building is named for Jonathon L. Noyes, a long-time administrator of the school.

On the bluffs overlooking the Straight River east of downtown of Faribault is Shattuck St. Mary's School, a private college prep school for boys and girls grades 6-12. The institution was formerly three schools: Shattuck School, St. Mary's and St. James. Shattuck was originally an Episcopal military school. One enters Shattuck by driving through the stone arch which frames the stone buildings comprising the original campus; this image has been used in many movies when the director wishes to represent an elite, ivy league type school.

Faribault is also home to the Tilt - a - Whirl. Herbert Sellner invented the Tilt - a Whirl in 1926 at his home. Sellner Manufacturing was opened and the ride debuted at the Minnesota State Fair in 1927.

Belle Plaine, MN

APA Minnesota Spotlight on Minnesota
Belle Plaine
Trisha Rosenfeld, Community Development Director

What is the greatest part of your job? How long have you been with the City of Belle Plaine?
The greatest part of my job is knowing that every day there is always something new and interesting that will present itself.

I have been with the City of Belle Plaine for four years this October.

How has the economic downturn impacted the City of Belle Plaine?
The economic downturn has impacted the City of Belle Plaine particularly in the housing market. We experienced a large growth spurt in the early part of the decade. As we all know it has tapered off substantially over the past several years. However, Belle Plaine has been fortunate to experience commercial growth over the past couple years complimenting the residential growth that occurred.

What is Belle Plaine's most significant planning and/design issue? How are you dealing with them?
One of the most significant design issues Belle Plaine experiences is the US Trunk Highway 169 corridor that attempts to divide the community. We currently have one interchange that connects the two parts of the community to the north and are determined to procure a second overpass or interchange on the southern end of the community. The City of Belle Plaine is committed to the connectivity and cohesiveness of the community.

What is a unique fact or characteristic about Belle Plaine?
Belle Plaine has a historical two-story outhouse!

Gaylord, MN
July 2010

APA Minnesota Spotlight on Minnesota
Gaylord
Kevin McCann, City Administrator

What is the greatest part of your job? How long have you been with the City of Gaylord?
The greatest part of my job is the variety of projects I work on and the great people I interact with. I am always working on something different and meeting great people along the way. I have been in the City of Gaylord since January of 2008.

How has the economic downturn impacted the City of Gaylord?
There was a housing development of 26 units that fell through. There has been a couple of business closings. There has also been good news. There is a newly remodeled $9 million dollar nursing home, assisted living, senior apartments, and memory loss facility. There is also a new strip mall in town. There is also many businesses looking at revitalizing their home or business with the latest green technology.

What is Gaylord's most significant planning and/design issue? How are you dealing with them?
The most significant planning issue is the outdated ordinances we are following. They are from the early 90s and do not address the issues of today. We are starting to identify the issues that keep coming up and will be addressing these through ordnance changes.

What is a unique fact or characteristic about Gaylord?
Gaylord is known as The Hub of Sibley County and has three highways, Hwy 5, Hwy 19, and Hwy 22, that intersect in town. The City is currently in the design phase of a new $2.75 million aquatic center.

Minnetonka, MN
June 2010

APA Minnesota Spotlight on Minnesota
Minnetonka
Julie Wischnack, AICP Community Development Director

What is the greatest part of your job? How long have you been with the City of Minnetonka?
The greatest part of my job is trying to help people solve problems, whether that involves co-workers, residents or applicants. The bottom line at any city should be, how can I help you and if I can't accommodate someone's request what may be the next best thing and the process for figuring that out is extremely satisfying. I have been with Minnetonka since 2006.

How has the economic downturn impacted the City of Minnetonka?
We have definitely experienced a downturn in the amount of permitting within the city; which in turn caused a need to reduce our employees in community development and partner with other cities to get the work done. The amount of residential development has definitely slowed, but there are some projects on the horizon that are very positive for the community. United Health Group will be starting their 350,000 square foot expansion this fall and we hope that a 150 unit senior building will be underway soon. There are other various projects for smaller residential subdivisions.

What is Minnetonka's most significant planning and/design issue? How are you dealing with them?
I think the most significant planning and design issue for Minnetonka is with respect to light rail. While the construction of the rail is a number of years off, it certainly is important to set the stage and prepare for the type of development that supports light rail. This type of development does not occur very often in Minnetonka and therefore, we are embarking on amending ordinances and plans that outline and provide principles by which redevelopment occurs. While design of redevelopment is important, a secondary issue is an existing suburb has challenges in making good connections to existing neighborhoods. We are looking forward to this very difficult, yet exciting addition to our transportation network.

What is a unique fact or characteristic about Minnetonka?
Minnetonka is a very young city, incorporating in 1956. Prior to its incorporation, it was the scene of numerous annexations to surrounding communities and in the end, 2,300 voting members of the public created the village of Minnetonka.

Roseau, MN
MAY 2010

APA Minnesota Spotlight on Minnesota
City of Roseau
Todd Peterson, Roseau Community Development Coordinator

What is the greatest part of your job? How long have you been with the City of Roseau?
I have worked for the City of Roseau since 1996 (14 years in August). In that time I have been City Planner, Flood Recovery Coordinator and finally Community Development Coordinator for the city. I was Roseau's first City Planner. Community development in a small community (2,700) is quite different than in larger fast-growing communities. Projects must be developed in slower more incremental steps. However, in 2002 the City of Roseau was devastated with a greater than 500-year flood event that required the rebuilding of the majority of the town. Over $100 million in public and private investments were made to rebuild the community. As a result, I was able to participate in a 5-year redevelopment plan like most small-town planners never witness in a lifetime. Our community continues to work on future developments and keeping the community growing and vibrant.

How has the economic downturn impacted the City of Roseau?
The economic downturn has had an impact on our community, particularly our small commercial district. Continuing pressures of lower wages, unemployment and big-box retailers in larger surrounding regional centers have taken their toll on our downtown district leaving a number of vacant storefronts. Recently our industrial sector (Polaris Industries) has begun to shift back to higher production. Our hope is that this resurgence will bring confidence back to others who will again look at other business opportunities in our community.

What is Roseau most significant planning and/design issue? How are you dealing with them?
It is always a delicate balancing act to do significant planning and design in small towns as you must weigh the value of good design with the economic realities of needed any and all development possible to keep your community vibrant and growing. However, the leaders of Roseau have always had high expectations for development and property maintenance and that helps drive good development and respect for doing development the right way.

What is a unique fact or characteristic about Roseau?
Roseau is a very special community. It is a very small town (2,700) that supports a very large population (up to 7,000+) for employment, health services, retail, recreation, education, and government. As a result, the community has to be very creative and proactive in its design and delivery of services. Cooperation is vital given our relative isolation. The City works hard to foster creative solutions with private industry and other agencies to provide excellent services and a great quality of life. This is probably what makes Roseau the hockey capital of Minnesota.