Brian Bidleman, Director of Beacon of Hope in Fort Dodge, recently spoke about the ministry's mission and the growing homelessness crisis facing our community. Founded in 2022, Beacon of Hope serves as a Christian shelter for men — many of whom struggle with addiction, mental health challenges, or both — focusing not just on immediate needs but on genuine restoration. The shelter provides structured daily routines, meals, laundry, and chapel services, helping men rebuild the habits of everyday life that many of us take for granted. Brian and his two fellow staff members collectively bring over 80 years of sobriety and personal experience with homelessness, giving them a unique ability to connect with and guide the men they serve.
Brian also shared that homelessness nationally has grown over 20% per year in recent years, with men over 50 and women with children being the fastest-growing segments. In response, Beacon of Hope Ministries has announced an expansion: they have purchased the former Iowa Outdoor Store and, in partnership with Woodruff Construction, plan to build a 24-unit shelter specifically for women and children in Fort Dodge — with access to transit, healthcare, financial literacy training, and job services. Partnering with the YWCA and Fort Dodge Housing, the goal is to ensure that vulnerable women and children in our community have a safe, structured place to get back on their feet.