EMERGENCY SHELTER
SHELTER PROGRAM
All services are FREE.
FOR YOUTH AGES: 9-17
Parents can also seek advice and refer their children here
HOURS:
24/7, including holidays
CALL:
Crisis Hotline (teen or parent)
218-751-4332
Family Support
218-441-4587
LOCATION:
622 Mississippi Ave, Bemidji MN
EVERGREEN SHELTER PROGRAM
ALL SERVICES ARE FREE.
WHEN YOU'RE STRUGGLING OR THINGS ARE TOUGH AT HOME
CALL US DAY OR NIGHT 24/7
The Evergreen Youth & Family Services Shelter provides free shelter, coaching, and support services for youth ages 9-17 who are experiencing an immediate personal or family crisis. The shelter can house up to 10 youth at a time and is open 24 hours a day, 365 days per year.
Shelter stays are temporary (generally limited to a maximum of 21 days). Extended stays may be available through the Short Term Shelter Program for youth awaiting placement. Youth, their families, and other caregivers are also eligible to receive free drop-in counseling and/or family counseling services. Call 218-751-4332 to make an appointment or request help with a particular issue or problem.
EMERGENCY SHELTER
We provide emergency shelter, food, clothing and personal hygiene supplies to those who stay at the shelter. We are committed to supporting each child's overall health, school attendance and performance.
CRISIS INTERVENTION
We have skilled, caring staff on duty 24 hours a day to assess the crisis situation, and help to resolve the conflict and address the issues that may have brought a youth and/or family to the shelter.
ALCOHOL & DRUG
Education & Intervention
If you suspect that your child is involved with alcohol or drugs, we can help. Staff can help you access a Rule 25 chemical dependency assessment, provide referrals for treatment services, and help you understand the different requirements of parenting a child who is involved in the drug subculture.
SUPERVISED DAILY LIVING
We provide supervised structured daily living with an emphasis on social and independent living skills. Youth are taught basic skills such as hygiene, nutrition, and goal setting. In addition, youth are taught social skills such as respect for self and others, decision-making and problem solving. Daily schedules include chores, school, meals, quiet time, free time, activities, group and individual counseling.
RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES
Education & Intervention
The youth have an opportunity to participate in a variety of recreational activities that range from team sports, area cultural events, arts and crafts to outdoor field trips to the park, canoeing, swimming, skating and ice fishing. The shelter also provides computers, books, board games, movies, Foosball, pool, and basketball as on-site activities.
EDUCATION
Whenever appropriate, our staff will ensure that youth can continue to attend their regular school during their stay at the Shelter. Youth can also receive tutorial instruction from a school district tutor in the evenings if needed.
GROUP DISCUSSIONS
Group discussions focus on family systems, communication skills, sharing, and giving, self-esteem building, anger management, system survival and "What is love?". These issue-oriented groups are based on current problems facing youth.
INDIVIDUAL COACHING
The Shelter provides youth with the opportunities to talk with staff members one-on-one and to learn alternative techniques to self de-escalation, conflict resolution, problem solving, and any other related issue(s) that may be pertinent to an individual youth.
FAMILY COACHING
The Shelter offers crisis coaching to families who are experiencing family crisis or emergencies. When conflicts intensify, when communication breaks down or when situations become too stressful, family counseling facilitates conflict resolution. Families can receive support from our extensive resource network and often this coaching continues after the youth leaves the shelter. This provides families with another source of support during tough times.
GANG IDENTIFICATION
Training & Intervention
If you suspect your child is gang affiliated or "experimenting" with gang involvement, contact us. Shelter staff can provide gang identification training to help you determine whether your child is involved. In addition, if your child is gang-affiliated, our staff can help provide intervention services for your family to help your child resist gang involvement or decrease their gang involvement.
AFTER CARE SUPPORT
Within 30 days after a youth leaves the Shelter, a follow-up is conducted (to clients living in the area) to see how the youth is doing and to see if there are further services that the we can provide. The Youth is also encouraged to stay in touch with the Shelter if they need support during difficult times.
YOUTH OR PARENT
Feedback & Concerns
If you have a concern about your Shelter stay, please feel free to report your concern to any member of the Evergreen Shelter staff. If your concern is not resolved, please contact the Evergreen Shelter Program Director. Gary Russell can be reached at 218-441-4567.
TAKE A TOUR OF THE SHELTER