ON MY WAY TO SUNDAY MORNING church services, I missed an opportunity to live my faith. Reflecting on that moment, I’m still uncertain what I could have done. But the guilt I feel about doing nothing at the time remains.
Let me set the scene. While driving to church, Randy and I dropped off some mail downtown. Up the hill from the post office, I noticed a parked car crammed with stuff. Someone clearly lived out of the vehicle, one I’ve previously seen. Then my eyes shifted to the adjacent street corner and an individual, cocooned in a bright gold blanket, sleeping atop a bench. And then we turned the corner.
“I should take a picture,” I told Randy, my mind already creating a story that would enlighten others about homelessness in Faribault. But then I quickly realized that taking a photo wouldn’t be particularly kind. And so we continued on to church.
Still, I couldn’t shake the image of that person stretched atop a bench along Central Avenue. I wondered about his story, why and how he found himself without a home. And I considered how vulnerable and exposed I would feel sleeping like that in a public place. Those thoughts followed me into church.
“HOUSING FOR THE HOMELESS”
When I stepped inside the sanctuary, I immediately noticed a “Housing for the Homeless” poster near the organ. There are coincidences and then there are what I term “God moments.” And this, in my mind, was clearly divine. I’ve seen enough of these occurrences in my life to distinguish the two. God was assuredly nudging me to write on the topic of homelessness and housing insecurity in my community.
That sign in church was a promotional for the chosen mission of this year’s Vacation Bible School, which started that very evening at Trinity. Participants are donating their monetary gifts to Ridgeview Heights, an accessible, sustainable housing community to be built in downtown Faribault just blocks from the slumbering man on the bench. The VBS fundraising goal is $500.
That $500 may seem inconsequential considering the $2.5 million project cost. But every dollar helps in constructing the two buildings aimed at housing families with children, including those experiencing homelessness. Two of the eight units will serve as free emergency shelters and the other six will be market rate workforce units.
A COMMUNITY ACTS
The Community Action Center, which works collaboratively to alleviate hunger, homelessness and poverty among individuals and families in the community, is the lead on Ridgeview Heights. With an in-kind land donation from the city of Faribault, two grants, gifts, community donations and financing, the CAC is able to break ground at 4 p.m. today, August 6, for the much-needed two and three-bedroom units.
So first I saw the sleeping man, then the poster. And then came the sermon…with a directive that congregations ought to think, plan and act in ways that bless people. The guest pastor encouraged us not to think less of ourselves, but to think of ourselves less (a loose quote from C.S. Lewis). In other words, turn the focus outward on the community rather than inward to the church’s needs. The VBS kids will be doing exactly that this week with their “Housing for the Homeless” mission focus.
A FAMILY THAT CARES
Now you may think my story ends here. But it doesn’t. On July 28, I received a mass email about an upcoming Helbling family reunion. Organizers are changing things up this year by raffling items made by family members. One of several ways to qualify for a raffle entry is via a $5 charitable donation. All donations will go to the Community Action Center in Faribault with a dollar-for-dollar match from my eldest niece’s employer.
Truly, I was meant to write this story. I may have bypassed the man sleeping on the bench. But I got the message, loud and clear, that I needed to write about homelessness and housing insecurity in Faribault. I’ve seen the tents pitched along the river, beside train tracks, behind evergreen trees, next to a park. I’ve seen the homeless in the library, sleeping in the Central Park bandshell, biking and walking about town, including past my house. I am aware of the long waiting list for emergency shelter. Even if I failed to “do” something, I can raise awareness through my writing. And by doing that, perhaps I am helping in some small way to bless my community, including the man sleeping on a bench in the heart of downtown Faribault on a Sunday morning.
© Copyright 2025 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Oh Audrey, again you post something so close to my heart. I’ve also been encased in those God moments to pay attention to homelessness. We have someone we love who has been homeless for some time. We went searching for them in North Carolina. We met so many truly amazing homeless shelter directors and program managers and church leaders. Despite the pain of loss, trauma, and homelessness, the programs there were deeply inspiring. The caring and generosity, the kindness, not only staff but also by clients of the programs… Overwhelming love and prayers abounded in those places. Leaders there make it their business to know the people who need help and to connect with all the community resources to get them the right help.
But in my nearest town of Brainerd, MN, they refuse to let the Bridges of Hope overnight homeless shelter be open year-round. They’d rather keep people on the street, arrest them for some random broken law, put them in jail, and keep them endlessly caught in costs of court systems. I can’t even fathom what kind of sense that makes, especially after what I witnessed in North Carolina. And with the new laws coming down from the current administration, homeless people are not being helped as they should be, they’re being pushed farther and farther into the woods and hiding places, just trying to survive and not go to jail.
And for those who think jail is better than being homeless, I was recently told the story of someone who had a roommate in jail, the roommate refused to let them use the water fountain or the toilet in their cell, and kept telling them they were going to beat their head in and knock their teeth out. And when this person asked for help, they were told to fill out forms to be moved, and were dismissed by the jail officials for days… You have a better chance of escaping danger in the wild than in a trapped cell.
Rose, thank you for this deeply heartfelt and honest look at homelessness. I am thankful for the kind souls who treated you with kindness and support. I am grateful that those folks in NC genuinely care. How supported and loved you must have felt.
I had heard about the situation in Brainerd. It baffles me, too.
You’re right, jail is no place for those who are without a home, who are dealing with mental health issues, etc. Jail only seems to additionally victimize and traumatize. If you have a heart attack, they don’t take you to jail. They take you to the ER. But, if you are in a mental health crisis, you may be taken to jail. For what? For having a serious health condition. I could go on and on.
Much needs to be “fixed”, changed, whatever word you want to use for improving conditions and care. As per the current administration, yeah, their actions are disheartening and frightening. Compassion is totally lacking as program after program and funding are cut.
Beautiful post and a great reminder to forward the blessing(s) when and where you can. We recently made a donation to a local food pantry, and I was taken back a bit by the number of Seniors needing food assistance while dropping off our donation. I work for a community organization and support a few other causes too. I almost always feel a little tinge of guilt when I decline a donation when making a retail purchase and just experienced that the other night. We all have to figure out what is best in sharing those blessing(s). Sometimes it is sharing a smile, listening to someone’s story, giving assistance either physically or monetary, etc. It all counts and matters and makes a difference. Take Care
I like your statement of “it all counts and matters and makes a difference.” Thank you for always caring, for donating, for working for a community organization. YOU are making a difference.
I’d encourage you to read the comment left by Rose on this post. It’s a must-read.
I just read Rose’s comment and so inspiring and then the opposite that is going on is just tragic. The community organization I work for takes a multiple prong approach about to homelessness and the care and mental health support they need. The organization offers mental health support for one and then partners with other organizations to provide a safe place to sleep, get care, food, pharmacy needs, life skills if they want to get off the streets, jobs, etc.
The organization made the news a while back in working with the U.S. Marshals Service to rescue 60 kids from trafficking. The organization provided a safe place for those children to recovery, heal, physical and mental health care, reunite with family if possible, etc.
The community organization you are part of is doing important work. Thanks for being part of that. And thank you for reading Rose’s comment.
This is such a huge problem nation wide – no, world wide. In another life I directed family services for a county wide homeless services agency. In the little over a year I held the position we went from serving about a dozen persons in shelter, and maybe forty in the community, to serving in excess of 120 in shelter alone. We moved the shelter three times and I endless recruited crucial staff. By the time everything had stabilized I was burned to a crisp. Fortunately, we were able to find a great replacement for me and I moved on to the relatively low stress job of being a Dean of Students.
My staff and I sure learned a lot, most frighteningly, that truly anyone can become homeless.
Thank you for writing this post.
First, thank you for sharing your perspective as someone who led a homeless services agency. You have unique insights on the topic and I appreciate all you did to help those without shelter. I can only imagine how the stories affected you emotionally and mentally to the point of burn out. That shows me just how deeply you cared.
I believe you’re correct. Any one of us could be homeless.
Good and a serious Minnesota Nice to you. I see the homeless is a differing light. I am not making light of your lofty goals. I have been in groups of these folks (not exactly the place one wants to be. WE have truly honest to be homelessness, which could be a runaway unable to take care of themselves, or it could be a retired Post Mistress who gave up on the rat race (increasing rents or property tax forcing her to sell or lose her domain (residence due to a Tax Sale) or it could be a vet who has fallen into the same trap, or someone truly down on their luck. Someone with a mental disorder – who can hardly calculate taxes much less do a family budget – and gave up on life. These folks may be broken, torn, broke, busted. In some cases, these people are right where they want to be. Others, by circumstance – no. Every individual is different. I know, I have to watch out for things like this myself. My property taxes went through the roof when my wife passed. All my exemptions were voided and my property tax shot up! I have a 3 bedroom house. I do not sleep in a bed, nor do I sleep in any of the bedrooms. I have started cleaning out the house, While a daughter has helpped me put back those exemptions, the taxes I paid in were more than due when all was finely sorted out. Then came the shocker. I had overpaid my property tax and was given a financial statement with the fact that to reclaim the excess taxes I paid, I had to file a statement of all of my payments to get that back but If I made a mistake (or lied) I could be charged with a hefty misdemeanor, fined and or go to jail. Did they not account for my money I paid them? Do they face serious legal repercusions for their error? They must not as I have noted that thee parcel size listed on the two taxing agencies do not match each other nor does it match the original lot size. I have watered the yard but as far as I know, lots do not grow or shrink with waterings. Best to you, and those that strive to be :Minnesota Nice:. God bless you.
Gunny, thanks for offering your thoughts on homelessness. Yes, the reasons for being without a home are many and varied. And, yes, some choose to remain homeless.
I’m sorry for all you are going through with your property taxes. It sounds maddening, frustrating and unfair. I hope you are able to get things settled soon without additional time, paperwork and stress. God bless you, too, Gunny. One question: Where DO you sleep?
A very comfortable recliner!
Wherever you can sleep…
Thank you for this post Audrey. Homelessness has been an active topic in our church too. It’s important to raise awareness, and important to do what we are led to do. The VBS class is a great example. Homelessness is an overwhelming problem.
You’re welcome, Valerie. And thank you to your church for discussing the topic of homelessness. Awareness often leads to meaningful action.
Yes, Audrey, I would say you read this message, your God moment, loud and clear. You were blessed with a gift. The gift of language, words, writing, communication, and a platform to share it all. In your paper, your community your church, your blog, across your state, your country, and any place where a person might read your words or hear your words and carry them. Thank you for this, it is in these actions, these steps we take, these examples, that real change happens for people, who need help and support, that can make all the difference in their lives, and we all have times when we could benefit from a little extra kindness, understanding and help, all without judgment. Just one human reaching out and caring for another.
Thank you, Beth, for your generously kind words. I do what I can, as I know you do. Kindness, at its very core, is simply one person reaching out and caring for another, as you so eloquently summarize.
OH – that wasn’t (isn’t) the half of it, took me 4 days, two trips of over 2 hours (one way) to get th paper work for the registration of my motorcycle. Seems that New Mexico does not do the paper work right the first time, so in one case we had them resign the docs (dealer) only to find NOW they have to do an affidavit – so BACK to the dealer, – on the way home we found a closer (to dealer) to do what we call the DV work0 only to find they will not do it for anyone out side the county (who makes these rules?) stating they didn’t have to! My brother questioned them – and they started this “it seems to us you are upset and we had better call law enforcement! I told them calmly: no, I think after what we have been through you need to answer his questions as you all seem to be too sensitive to his frustration. ,
WOW! What happened to excellent customer service in government? I’m sorry you have to deal with all this unnecessary, what shall I call it, crap.
Right on Audrey
Your words are enough to share the picture not taken. I agree that photographing a homeless person is intrusive although I understand your wanting to illustrate the issue of homelessness. You did so
In your writing, Audrey. What becomes of the homeless in Minnesota winters? Your post prods others to think less of themselves.
That’s a good question about housing of homeless during a Minnesota winter. In the metro area, shelters are available. But not in smaller communities.
Serving as a volunteer and on the board of our local crisis assistance organization has organization has truly opened my eyes to our issue of unhoused folks in our county. Our numbers are increasing while our affordable housing options decrease. Fortunately, we have a lot of forward thinking folks who are working hard to address our unhoused population and provide services. We provide all kinds of things from tents to little Buddy propane heaters and fans and of course food and clothing. Sadly, many are one paycheck away from becoming unhoused. Affordable housing is becoming a priority and a long term goal for us is to include some independent living quarters when our new building is built. It takes ALL of us. Good for you for recognizing the need.
Thank you for all your community is doing to help those who are unhoused. We can all make a difference in our communities.