A Call for Help: Supporting Our Haitian Neighbors in Long Prairie
A Call for Help: Supporting Our Haitian Neighbors in Long Prairie
As some of you may know, Long Prairie has recently faced a profound humanitarian challenge. In the fall of 2024, the community welcomed approximately 500 Haitian immigrants, drawn here by employment opportunities at Long Prairie Packing. They arrived legally, equipped with work permits, hopeful for a brighter future. However, on June 12, 2025, the landscape shifted dramatically when Long Prairie Packing laid off around 200 Haitian employees due to unforeseen circumstances, including a shortage of beef for processing and the unfortunate revocation of work permits for many of our new neighbors.
This situation has left countless Haitian families grappling with uncertainty and financial instability. While the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for certain groups continues until February 2026, many are unable to secure employment without valid work permits. As a result, we’ve seen a rise in applications for SNAP benefits, yet many are ineligible, leaving families in desperate need of support.
The repercussions of these layoffs are severe. Many Haitian families are at risk of homelessness and deportation, with temporary accommodations found for only 17 individuals in the surrounding areas of Wadena, Staples, and Fergus Falls. The fear of losing their homes looms large, especially for those with young children who rely on a stable environment to grow and thrive.
In response to this crisis, the Fe y Justicia (Faith and Justice) organization, dedicated to the protection and care of immigrants in central Minnesota, has initiated a Rapid Response and Know Your Rights Workshop. This workshop aims to educate our immigrant community and those who could provide an emergency home for them about their rights and provide crucial support during these challenging times.
Moreover, there is an urgent need for more housing options for these families. Many Haitian immigrants speak Haitian Creole, while some are bilingual in Spanish. If you or someone you know might be willing to provide housing for these families, please reach out to Rev. Del Moen at 218-639-0305 or via email at pastordel@charter.net. Your compassion and willingness to help can make a significant difference in the lives of those who are struggling.
In addition to housing, we there is a need for money to provide food, medical care, legal immigration assistance and translation help to the Haitians. Below is a list of organizations offering vital services and how you can help with donations.
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Fe y Justicia
Services: Free health care, food distribution, “Know Your Rights” education, legal advocacy.
Contact: feyjusticia@gmail.com | 320-492-2220
Address: 106 7th Ave N, Waite Park, MN 56387
Donations can be made out to: Fe y Justicia.
Hearts United
Contact: Kandace Ahedo Gorres
Services: Free or inexpensive clothing, household furniture and appliances, perishable food.
Phone: 320-874-2878 | Email: office@heartsunitedlp.com
Address: 529 Lake St. South, Long Prairie, MN 56347
WAVE Saludos Welcome Center
Contact: Luan Thomas Brunkhorst
Services: Interpreting/Translating, advocacy, and resources for newcomers.
Phone: 320-732-2514 / 320-533-1743 | Email: chamber@longprairie.org
Donations can be made out to: WAVE Saludos Welcome Center.
Communities of Faith
Contact: Pastor Kali Christiansen
Services: Grocery gift cards, food assistance, temporary rental assistance, car repair funding.
Phone: 320-808-6301 | Email: kali.christiansen55@gmail.com
Donations can be made out to: COF Ministerial Fund (Memo line: LPROJECT)
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Let us come together in this time of need, extending our hands and hearts to support our Haitian neighbors. Your kindness, whether through housing, donations, or volunteering, can help restore hope and stability for those who need it most. Thank you for your commitment to this community.
In Faith and Service,
Rev. Del Moen
St. Helen's Episcopal Church
Wadena, MN