Seasonal Reopening of The Bridge on 7th Overnight Shelter

The Bridge on 7th overnight shelter in Brainerd has reopened its doors for the season, providing a safe haven for adults experiencing homelessness.

Operated by the faith-based nonprofit Bridges of Hope, the shelter offers nightly accommodations from 7 p.m. to 8 a.m., running from September through April.

Since its inception in December 2021, The Bridge on 7th has provided over 11,400 nights of shelter to more than 480 individuals.

In March 2025, Bridges of Hope proposed extending the shelter's operations year-round, citing new city ordinances in Brainerd and Baxter that prohibit unauthorized camping on public and private properties.

However, in April 2025, the Brainerd City Council unanimously voted to renew the shelter's permit for seasonal operation only, allowing it to function from September through April.

Community members have expressed concerns about the impact of this decision on the unhoused population during the warmer months.

Despite these challenges, Bridges of Hope remains committed to supporting those in need.

Executive Director Jana Shogren emphasized the shelter's role in providing not just a place to sleep, but also connections to resources that can help individuals transition to stable housing.

As the shelter reopens for the colder months, the community continues to grapple with finding sustainable solutions for year-round support for its most vulnerable residents.