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<br /> <br />Nov. 4, 2021 <br />Contact: Erik Thorson, Communications Director, 763-324-4612, or e-mail: <br />Erik.Thorson@co.anoka.mn.us <br /> <br />FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE <br />Local Woman Recounts How She Became Homeless <br />November is recognized as “Homeless Awareness Month” in Minnesota and across the <br />nation. Annually, people come together to draw attention to the problem of homelessness. <br />This year, Anoka County, in partnership with the Heading Home Anoka Housing <br />Collaborative, felt it was important to highlight one person’s experience, shedding light on how <br />homelessness can impact multiple areas of life and how success can be achieved. <br />Here is Lola’s story (Name changed to protect anonymity): <br />In January 2018, my home situation had reached a critical point––I had to call the police <br />because my life was being threatened. When the police arrived, I ran out of my apartment <br />in my pajamas and never went back. After spending several hours at the police station, I <br />finally found a domestic violence shelter that accepted me. I was scared and unsure of my <br />next steps. <br />I had no idea what my rights were as a woman fleeing domestic violence, and I didn’t know <br />what my options were related to my lease or the removal of my abuser. I didn’t know what <br />my rights were, or even the options, at the shelter. When I wasn’t dealing with the trauma <br />of being abused and homeless, I had to mother my child and figure out where we would <br />go, so that we would not be sleeping outside. <br />-more- <br />Respectful, Innovative, Fiscally Responsible <br />rd <br />Government Center 2100 3 Avenue, Suite 700 Anoka, MN 55303-5024 www.anokacounty.us <br />Fax: 763-324-5490 <br />Office: 763-324-4700 <br />Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer <br /> <br />