But after almost ten years paying a dollar a year for their current facility, New Pathways was notified they would have to move locations due to the expansion of Brainerd Public Schools.

The homeless shelter has served 397 families and 659 children; with 85 percent of the families coming from Crow Wing County. The program is now looking for a possible facility donation to be converted into their new day center.

That coming from Darla Johnson, who graduated the New Pathways program back in 2010. After being laid off as a government employee, she moved in with a friend. Four months later she depleted all of her savings, her friend’s outdoor wood stove blew up, leaving her on the streets and living in her car.

She was then referred to New Pathways which gave her a place to feel safe.

With their help, Johnson graduated the program 54 days later getting her own apartment and getting her back up on her feet.

By — Chelsie Brown

News/Sports Reporter in Brainerd