WDIO Creating Change | www.WDIO.com

The Northland is a beautiful place to call home, but just like any community, we have our share of problems. Who do you see as the face of Homelessness in our community? Of Mental Health, Poverty, or Hunger? It may not be who you think.

At WDIO, With You For Life means celebrating the good times and helping with the serious issues. We are partnering with local organizations to tackle these issues head-on, to improve and coordinate our community response.

We can accomplish great things when we come together as a community. Be part of the solution to create change.

CHUM

CHUM is Duluth's primary safety-net organization where people who are homeless or who have very low incomes can come for assistance and a welcoming, safe community. It was founded in 1973 when 10 churches from Duluth's Central Hillside came together to meet the needs of the neighborhood, and now has 43 member congregations. CHUM offers emergency food, shelter, advocacy, support, and outreach throughout Duluth.

Community Action Duluth

Community Action Duluth (CAD) is a nonprofit organization taking action to fight poverty through economic and asset-building programs, education, advocacy, anti-racism work, community engagement, and public policy advocacy. It is the mission of Community Action Duluth to empower and engage our community to eliminate poverty.

Life House

Life House provides critical basic needs and support for young people who have been left to fend for themselves. Life House provides a place of acceptance, safety, and belonging where youth can reclaim a positive, healthy and hopeful future.

Second Harvest Food Bank

Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank is a charitable non-profit and is the largest hunger-relief organization in the Northland. Each year we rescue and distribute over 6.1 million pounds of nutritious food, enough food for 4.9 million meals, to approximately 44,000 people in need. We are committed to providing nutritious food to our Northland neighbors in need, supporting their healthy lives and our healthy communities.

Creating Change Stories

CHUM expanding delivery services, gearing up for Thanksgiving

CHUM is expanding their CHUM2GO delivery services, as well as making preparations for Thanksgiving. They are asking for monetary donations to help fill the food boxes, which are costing more this year than in previous year.

CHUM is changing the focus of their school supply campaign, to address rising food costs.

CHUM changing focus of back to school campaign

Instead of money for school supplies, CHUM is seeking donations to help keep the food coming in the door.

Life House taking over Neighborhood Youth Services

Life House steps up to run Neighborhood Youth Services

Life House is stepping up to run Neighborhood Youth Services after The Hills reaches financial struggle.

Ohio man kayaking Mississippi for mental health

Joe Solomon of Cincinnati, Ohio, is paddling the entire Mississippi River on a kayak to start conversations about mental health.

Joe Solomon has paddled about 200 miles so far. He leaves Grand Rapids Friday morning.

AEOA Arrowhead Transit hands out hundreds of free food boxes

On Thursday, the Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency handed out 1,300 free boxes of food to nine communities in the Northland.

Duluth Inn converting to housing for those experiencing homelessness

For people experiencing homelessness, the Duluth Inn is going from motel to housing. The Duluth HRA and CHUM partnered to purchase the building, which will also have specialty mental health and chemical dependency services.

The Downtown Duluth Inn will be converted to housing for people experiencing homelessness.

Ruck March will help veterans recondition

Saturday, March 27, is the Nearly Naked Ruck March to support 23rd Veteran. There will be staggered start times on the course on Skyline Parkway. Registration is $39.

People march with flags during the 2019 Nearly Naked Ruck March. It will be back on Skyline Parkway in 2021.

Community Action Duluth launching mobile market to help with food insecurity

Community Action Duluth is launching a new service to help those struggling with food insecurity called the Mobile Market. It's described as a grocery store on wheels. The refrigerated truck will be stocked with fresh produce, pantry staples, dairy products and more.

Overwhelming turnout for free food giveaway at DECC

Local labor union groups teamed up to host a large food distribution event Thursday at the DECC. The turnout was overwhelming that they had to start the event early because of traffic blocking the street and highway.

The DECC donates over 4,000 pounds of food to CHUM

The Duluth Entertainment Convention Center donated 4,186 pounds of frozen food to CHUM to help residents in need.

from left to right: Steve Rankila (DECC), Jake Magdzas (DECC), Scott Van Daele (CHUM), Roger Reinert (DECC).

Boys and Girls Clubs of the Northland still serving during pandemic

During the pandemic, the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Northland have been making constant changes to still provide safe spaces for youth.

The Boys and Girls Clubs of the Northland have made many changes during the pandemic.

Miller Hill Subaru donates cozy blankets to the Steve O'Neil Apartments

Miller Hill Subaru donated 80 cozy blankets on Friday to the residents of the Steve O'Neil Apartments, as part of the Subaru Share the Love event.

Miller Hill Subaru donated 80 cozy blankets to the residents of the Steve O'Neil Apartments in Duluth as part of their Love Promise.

Breezy Point 5K donates over $55,000 to Minnesota Adult & Teen Challenge

Breezy Point donated a check totaling $58,813 they raised from their 12th annual 5K race to the Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge.

The Northern Lights Foundation supports families with sick kids

The Northern Lights Foundation exists to ease the financial strain on families with children who have life threatening illnesses. They give grants with no strings attached.

The Northern Lights Foundation gives grants to families with children who have life threatening illnesses.

Life House serves annual Fall Harvest Feast

Life House held their annual Fall Harvest Feast for youth without a home, with the help of Rotary 25. They served the meal in an out the door style for social distancing.

LIfe House offers Safe Harbor for victims of trafficking and exploitation

Life House's Safe Harbor programs offer housing and support for victims of trafficking and sexual exploitation.

Sol House has been in Duluth for more than five years now.

Life House lifts up LGBTQ youth

On Transgender Day of Remembrance, Life House is making sure LGBTQ youth are lifted up and supported. Of the more than 900 youth they served in 2019, 20% identify as LGBTQ.

About 20% of the youth Life House served in 2019 identify as LGBTQ.

Instead of big tree, Minnesota Power donates to nonprofits

Instead of putting up the big tree in the plaza, Minnesota Power is donating $10,000 worth of needed supplies to local nonprofits. Youth at Life House will receive gift bags with winter gear like mittens, socks and hand warmers.

Gift bags were filled with winter supplies like mittens and hand warmers.

Life House registry for winter and hygiene needs

Life House, a nonprofit that serves homeless and at risk youth, has a charity registry at Target for their winter and hygiene needs.

Life House has a charity registry at Target.

Life House, Community School Collaborative partner during pandemic

Life House and the Duluth Community School Collaborative are working together during the pandemic to make sure at-risk youth still have the support they need.

The Denfeld After School Happenings program can't meet in person, but some of the teens involved will be invited to learn about Life House's services.

Davion's curiosity creates change

A Duluth 10-year-old who saw a couple homeless people on the side of the road was motivated to act. Davion baked cookies and raised almost $1,000 to buy supplies for Life House and other organizations.

Community Action Duluth invites you to Dream Big event

Instead of their annual fundraising luncheon, Community Action Duluth is generating buzz and funds through their first ever Dream Big event, which is virtual.

Community Action Duluth is launching their Dream Big event to raise money, virtual style.

CHUM's efforts to keep homeless safe during winter with warming centers

CHUM has efforts in place to keep the homeless safe from the frigid cold ahead. Warming centers will be opening next week at CHUM and City Center West.