The Northlands Rescue Mission in Grand Forks set a record Thursday night with 126 people staying at the facility, officials said Friday.
"We had 17 women and 109 men with us last night--that's a total of 126 guests and the largest number of individuals we've ever housed at one time," said David Sena, executive director of Northlands, in a press release.
Sena said the mission has been averaging about 100 people a night since August 2009, but they've seen a spike in numbers the past few weeks at the facility at 420 Division Ave. downtown. Typically, the mission does see more people during harvest time as migrant workers move through the area, and as colder months come in, but Sena said this year's increase is earlier than usual. Additional cots have been placed in overflow areas. Sena said he is hoping for more contributions from the community to help deal with the influx, including an appeal for $500 donations that will purchase six sets of bunk beds, or enough for 12 people. He also said that daily toiletry items, such as toothpaste, soap, shampoo and toilet paper, are in great demand.
Personal hygiene items -- as well as canned goods, warm clothing and twin-sized bed linens -- can be dropped off at the Mission at 420 Division Avenue in Grand Forks. Financial donations can be mailed to that address or made online at www.northlandsrescuemission.org .
