WATFORD CITY, NORTH DAKOTA – Many families are struggling to make a home and pay the bills in the Bakken Oil Region of North Dakota. Jim and Kathie Konsor are hoping to make a difference by starting a mobile thrift store. They have a trailer that is in the process of being remade for such a purpose. Now all they need is the pickup to pull it around the Bakken Oil Rush region.
Why is a thrift store needed?
Many come to North Dakota from warmer regions of the southern U.S. and are unprepared for the reality of North Dakota winters. Others can't find housing and must choose to either settle into transient lifestyle, living in a car or camper.
Many people are struggling to get the basics to live will and pay the rent that ranges from $1,500-$4,500. Families that have moved to the area are facing financial struggles even at jobs with wages at $15-$25 per hour.
“By the time we pay the rent, utilities and buy groceries there is nothing left, reported one mother of four. “My husband is making $5,500 a month and we are struggling to pay the bills because of the high prices here and an auto loan we have to pay from before we came here.”
The Konsors hope to fill the mobile trailer with winter clothing and some basic living supplies and move it around to where there the people are struggling. The locations may include parking lots, churches and campgrounds.
More about the Konsors
Jim and Kathie Konsors have a heart for those in need. The couple recently moved to Watford City, North Dakota from the northeast corner of South Dakota to begin a ministry for the Dakotas Conference of The United Methodist Church.
They have rented an two bedroom apartment for $2,700 a month in Watford City. “We are just getting things started, “ noted Jim. “We are hoping to find a place for people to meet, connect and worship”
In addition the Konsor are planning on getting the mobile thrift shop up in running in the next few weeks. “We want to be able to reach out to people before the winter,” said the Konsors.
Contact Jim and Kathie Konsor if you can help with the ¾ pickup
605-268-0058
605-742-4151
The Bakken is Calling from Dakotas UMC on Vimeo.