Downtown Duluth needs funding to continue community outreach initiative

DULUTH, Minn. (Northern News Now) - The organization 'Downtown Duluth' is looking for funding to help support its outreach specialist position.

The initiative helps cultivate a positive relationship between businesses and those facing homelessness and addiction in the city.

The position was created on the heels of the pandemic in 2022.

The project was initially funded through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds but those have expired.

As of now, the project is only funded through the beginning of next year from fundraisers and other sources.

Downtown Duluth is actively seeking more sources of funding to continue this program in the future.

"We've had some generous contributions from the community but we're not done yet," said Downtown Duluth President Kristi Stokes. "So we're just trying to raise additional dollars and build additional awareness around this position."

The outreach specialist position is held by Nathan Ketsi.

A key aspect of Ketsi's position is being a contact for businesses on matters that don't require law enforcement.

The initiative helps local businesses navigate their interaction with those in the community facing housing insecurity and addiction.

"Some things aren't necessarily a 911 call and part of it is by building relationships, and having a relationship with individuals," said outreach specialist Nathan Ketsi. "And maybe its just 'hey there's a better place where you could be doing that,' whether it's charging your phone."

He walks eight miles on the streets of downtown Duluth almost every day to help support some of the city's most vulnerable populations.

"There's been many stories of getting folks home, that's one of the major things is getting somebody connected to family," said Ketsi. "If they maybe use my phone to call a family member and helping to make sure that bridge isn't burnt."

Ketsi said helping individuals reconnect with family has been one of the most rewarding aspects of his work.

If you'd like to donate to the program you can do so here.