As the population increases in our area, so does the need for assistance.
On average, at least 12 new families are visiting CROSS each week. During the last fiscal year, there were 47,309 individual visits to the food shelf – such as Frank.
After losing his job, bills continued to pile up for Frank as he looked for new work. Financial strain forced him to move out if his home and with another family member. CROSS has been a blessing to help with food in the interim while he continues to look for a new job, he told a CROSS Family Advocate.
“Current census data show the number of residents in poverty in the region’s suburban and rural areas is now greater than the number of residents in poverty in the cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul combined,” Metropolitan Council wrote in its June 2015 report, stating the poverty rate has increased to 22.7% in the Twin Cities since 2000.
Growth has been an ongoing trend in CROSS communities – which had a population increase of 24% from 2000-2010 – and is anticipated to continue.
As the population increases, visits to CROSS are anticipated to grow as well. From 2013 to 2014, the CROSS Food Shelf provided 23% more food to people in our community.
“Many families are just a paycheck away from devastation,” a CROSS Family Advocate said.
Find out more about how to get involved or seek assistance.