Overnight Emergency Shelter Program Description: 

First Lutheran Church, in coordination with other churches in Becker County Minnesota, formed the Becker Homeless Solutions Task Group. The faith partners have collaborated to provide low-barrier overnight emergency shelter during the cold nights of winter and in other emergency situations.

The Detroit Lakes Overnight Emergency Shelter (OES) project provides motel vouchers and church sheltering at First Lutheran Church. Overnight shelter is only provided when other emergency shelter options are not available, assuring everyone in our county has a safe, warm place to sleep during our potentially life-threatening Minnesota winters and when other crisis arise. On a need’s basis, the OES will also provide the option to sleep during the day when the office is open Monday-Friday if the individual has been up all night from not sleeping.

In addition to the temporary overnight shelter when no other shelter is available, OES will encourage and support individuals and families in engaging with other housing and homeless services and resources. The OES will serve anyone, as space allows, regardless of their circumstances or background, provided they are not a threat to the safety of other guests or volunteers and follow shelter rules. Guests will be helped as long as possible until they are able to be served by other shelters or find permanent housing. The OES will provide community resources, food, basic needs & referrals during the intake process. Participants will always have the option to receive meals as long as other staff are present during FLC church operating hours as well. The location of OES is First Lutheran Church, 912 Lake Avenue, Detroit Lakes, MN. Individuals or families seeking shelter can call (218) 847-5656 from 12pm to 3pm Monday through Friday to be screened for eligibility and availability. Hours of Operation: If funding is available and there is no room at other shelters in Fargo/Moorhead and surounding areas then we can help with Motel Vouchers: 3pm to 11am. Church Sheltering: When appropriate staffing is available, operating hours are from 8 pm to 8 am during winter months. The Shelter is NOT open during daytime hours with the possible exception of major holidays or weather or health emergencies when there are stay home directives. Church Shelter guests MUST arrive by 8 pm each night to guarantee a spot and must leave at 8:00 A.M. On needs basis, the individuals may sleep in the church after doing intake during the day. This must be approved by the Shelter Coordinator.

If church sheltering is need, this ministry will require many volunteer hosts to be successful.  A minimum of three volunteers are needed for each shift.  Volunteers will be provided a description of duties and will be properly trained. These positions are important to the success of carrying out of this project.  

Volunteers and Shelter Guests will follow COVID safety protocols provided by the State of Minnesota.

Please consider signing up to be an overnight volunteer host.  Volunteering assures no one in our community needs to sleep in an unsafe environment, let alone die because of a lack of shelter during our harsh winter.  Anyone wishing to volunteer please complete this form.

The area Ministerial partners & Area Agencies thank you!

If you have any questions, please reach out to Mackenzie at First Lutheran Church from 12pm to 3pm Monday - Friday at 218-847-5656 or email mackenzie@firstlutheranchurch.com