Homelessness in St. Louis County is a persistent, complex problem that stems from many factors including a lack of affordable housing. But how many people are in this situation? Counting unsheltered individuals and families is the goal of an annual survey, which St. Louis County’s Public Health and Human Service Department is conducting on Thursday, January 23. The County is working with community service providers, agencies, and volunteers to complete a federally required Point in Time Homeless Count. The purpose is to identify people who are experiencing homelessness and not staying in a shelter on the night of January 22.

The annual conference featuring workshops presented by students for students is back for its 25th year, and for the first time it's being held in Duluth. The Young Leaders' Make a Difference Conference is February 3, from 8:15 to 2 p.m. at the DECC.

To learn more about Bridging Health Duluth visit bridginghealthnorth.org and click on Locaol Programs, CHNAs, and then Duluth. To learn more about the NLAPH visit healthleadership.org/program_nlaph.

St. Louis County Public Works supervisors, along with other licensed and qualified staff from other divisions and departments, are behind the wheel of snow plows and other equipment as employees from the Highway Maintenance Division - members of Teamsters Local 320 - took to the picket line.

St. Louis County has completed an updated draft of its Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan (MHMP) and is now seeking public feedback on it. Citizens can find a link to review the plan and offer feedback by visiting z.umn.edu/stlouishmp. The review and comment period is open through Friday, January 31, 2020. After that, the county will submit the draft plan to the State of Minnesota and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for review.