As homelessness rises, 200% more Hennepin County families are in need of shelter than one year ago
July 15, 2022
CONTACT: Michael Howard, mhoward@havenhousing.org
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - Haven Housing announced today that they will double their shelter capacity, at least for the next several months, to serve the growing need for pregnant women and families who need shelter. Haven Housing will expand its capacity from 16 families to serve up to 31 under a contract with Hennepin County. Haven Housing Executive Director Monica Nilsson said the expanded capacity reflects the growing needs in the community since federal rental assistance and eviction protections have ended.
“The difference between this summer and last is dramatic. Many more families are in desperate need of shelter,” said Nilsson. “Everyone deserves a safe and stable place to lay their head at night and Hennepin County asked us to meet this challenge for our community.”
Haven Housing is in a unique position this summer operating their St. Anne’s Place emergency shelter from a temporary location while their North Minneapolis building undergoes a renovation.
“If we weren’t in this temporary location, it would be very difficult to serve more families,” said Muriel Dorbor, Program Manager for St. Anne’s Place. “Our staff is working hard to help families find permanent, stable housing, while also keeping summer fun for the children here. From the playground to the zoo, to partner locations like the Minneapolis Bouldering Project, we get to see a lot of smiles.”
As of the end of June, 112 families in Hennepin County were staying in emergency shelters, a 211% increase over last year. Haven Housing is working to hire more staff to ensure that all of the families staying with us have the support they need, including assistance in seeking or maintaining employment.
Haven Housing operates one of only two emergency family shelters in Hennepin County, and also operates supportive housing for women and women-led families. Haven Housing is located in North Minneapolis and provides services to women and families throughout Hennepin County.
Visit havenhousing.org to learn more about ways you can support these efforts with financial and in-kind donations that support our shelter guests.
###