A Statement from the Bridges of Hope Board of Directors
At Bridges of Hope, our mission begins and ends with the people we serve. On Thursday, April 10, our Board of Directors gathered to respond to the very real consequences facing our neighbors experiencing homelessness. Following the Brainerd City Council’s recent decision, The Bridge on 7th will not be allowed to operate during the summer months, leaving many without a safe place to sleep at night. This decision comes in the wake of a newly enacted city camping ban, which further reduces already limited options for those with nowhere else to go.
This isn't just about a permit or a policy. It’s about real people who are now at greater risk due to a lack of safe, stable shelter. Our guests depend on The Bridge on 7th not just for a bed, but for connection, stability, and hope. The Council’s additional decision to shorten our interim use permit from three years to one further hinders our ability to plan for and provide consistent care that our community members can count on.
We believe our community deserves better. Every person impacted by homelessness deserves to be met with dignity, safety, and a pathway forward. Operating The Bridge on a year-to-year basis does not provide the continuity our guests need or the stability our team requires to support them effectively.
In recent days, there has been an outpouring of support from the community. We are deeply encouraged by the number of residents, partners, and organizations stepping up to help identify and implement short-term alternatives to keep people safe this summer. This public support affirms what we already know—Brainerd is a community that cares deeply about its neighbors.
We remain unwavering in our commitment to those we serve. Our Board is actively working to raise public awareness, build advocacy efforts, and collaborate with community partners to identify compassionate, realistic solutions now and in the future.
We invite everyone—residents, community leaders, and elected officials—to join us in continuing our work toward a logical and compassionate response to homelessness in Brainerd. Together, we can build a community where no one is left outside, no matter the season.