Cross-posted from Homes for All endorsing organization Catholic Charities of St. Paul and Minneapolis
“Dorothy Day Place represents a new model for preventing and ending homelessness – integrating dignified emergency shelter, permanent homes and services in one place. The historic public-private partnership behind Dorothy Day Place should serve as inspiration for what can be done to address the housing crisis we face. This is not the end of something – it is just the beginning of a new way of working together to solve our toughest challenges.”
– Tim Marx, president and CEO of Catholic Charities
On October 23, Catholic Charities of St. Paul and Minneapolis marked the completion of Dorothy Day Place, 
an integrated two-building campus designed to prevent and end homelessness by focusing on three components: dignified shelter, permanent homes and dedicated services that will create pathways to opportunities. This innovative new vision is the largest public-private partnership in housing and social services in Minnesota history. Dorothy Day Place has received broad, cross-sector support and was funded by an historic $100 million public-private capital campaign.
More than a shelter
Higher Ground Saint Paul, which opened in January 2017, is the first phase of Dorothy Day Place followed by the newly-completed Dorothy Day Residence and Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation Saint Paul Opportunity Center. Each night, Higher Ground Saint Paul offers more than 500 people experiencing homelessness permanent homes, dignified shelter and pathways to opportunities. On the first floor, you will see separate, dignified shelters for 356 men and women. These bright and open spaces include semi-private bunk beds with electrical outlets, space for personal belongings and bed linens.
In a separate wing, women with severe alcohol and other substance use disorders have permanent homes and access to adequate support services for their specific needs. Up the stairs, a Pay-for-Stay shelter provides beds with minimal fees for men who are working. These fees are held in savings for clients to be used towards a first month’s rent or down payment to a landlord.
The second floor also houses an innovative medical respite program to provide medical care for homeless men and women with significant health issues as well as a room of their own where they can heal under the care of nurses. This program is funded by a unique partnership between three area hospitals: United Hospital (Allina Health), Regions Hospital (HealthPartners), and Saint Joseph’s Hospital (Fairview).
The top three floors of the building provide permanent homes for 193 men and women who were formerly homeless. Each resident has a room, and each floor includes shared kitchens, bathrooms and social spaces.
A complete campus to serve those most in need
The Saint Paul Opportunity Center and Dorothy Day Residence is located across the street from Higher Ground Saint Paul. Dorothy Day Residence will provide an additional 177 units of housing and resources for those at risk of becoming homeless or those working to move up and out of homelessness. The Saint Paul Opportunity Center is an integrated, one-stop location connecting people to critical services to improve their health, income, housing stability and well-being.
