Proposed Shelter Faces Opposition

Bemidji’s Nameless Coalition for the Homeless gained approval for turning a church into an overnight homeless shelter in August.

The Joint Planning Board gave them an interim permit and variance, but a law firm next door says the permit was improperly issued and may look to take legal action in order to prevent the shelter from getting built.

Ron Cayko and other attorneys say there are other places in town where homeless people who deal with chronic inebriation can stay in the winter months. Reed Olson, the Coalition’s chair, says it’s crucial that the community does more to help those in need.

The two sides are working together to try and reach a compromise before the downtown Bemidji shelter is scheduled to open by Nov. 1.