歪歪漫画

BEMIDJI 鈥� Residents of the Red Pine Estates in Bemidji, who were given just six days to vacate their home in late June after structural concerns with the building were discovered, have all been relocated to other housing through immense community effort.

On June 30, the 47 residents of the Red Pine Estates on Ridgeway Avenue in Bemidji were informed that they would be required to vacate their residences by July 6 due to structural concerns with the building that were identified during a building inspection.

A joint release from the city and Beltrami County providing the update explained that the city immediately began planning efforts to ensure the safety of the residents. While both governments explored options to support the tenants, volunteers initiated a community effort to assist with relocating them and their property.

The timing of the crisis added additional challenges due to its proximity to the Fourth of July holiday weekend, and efforts to rehouse residents met difficulties with the county鈥檚 ongoing housing shortage.

Subscribers Only

Local

Red Pine residents left reeling after receiving 6-day notice to vacate

Citing structural concerns, the city of Bemidji ordered the evacuation of the Red Pine Estates by July 6, leaving nearly 50 residents, many in their 80s and 90s, struggling with what to do.

Dec 31, 1969

 · 

By  Nicole Ronchetti

Despite these challenges, residents were successfully vacated from the Red Pine Estates by the deadline.

鈥淭he generosity of the community, combined with efforts of the city and county, ensured all the residents were safely sheltered when the doors were closed,鈥� the release said.

Many of the residents were initially housed in area hotels, funded by donations from the community and assistance from Beltrami County. With both of these contributions included, more than $107,000 was raised to support Red Pine residents through this crisis.

Work continued long after July 6 to find sustainable housing options for residents.

鈥淪ince July 6, while often not publicly visible, tremendous efforts of many organizations and entities have been collaborating to ensure the displayed residents were able to secure housing,鈥� the release added. 鈥淚n late September, with the generous outpouring of donations and efforts of area organizations, combined with the tireless efforts of community partners, all displaced residents had secured housing.鈥�

The release emphasized that this would not have been possible without the contributions of community partners, donations from the public and the dedicated volunteers who gave 鈥渢heir time, financial support and unwavering compassion to assist their neighbors.鈥�

The situation with the Red Pine Estates, and Ridgeway Courts I and II before it, has spurred Beltrami County, the city of Bemidji and several community organizations to examine, develop and improve plans to respond to emergencies and the community鈥檚 housing needs.

Local

City, volunteers share future housing goals after chaotic Red Pine evacuation

Just over a month after 47 residents were displaced from Red Pine Estates, the city and volunteers look back on the events and what can be done to prevent future crises and improve future responses.

Dec 31, 1969

 · 

By  Nicole Ronchetti

Those looking to support local housing efforts through donations are asked to contact the United Way of Bemidji Area or the Northwest Minnesota Foundation.

Individuals who have concerns about the safety of their rental unit are encouraged to call Legal Services of Northwest Minnesota at (800) 450-8585 or go to HomeLine at . If the rental is within the city of Bemidji, concerned tenants can also contact the City Rental Inspector at (218) 759-3585.