On any given night in the month of January, there are over 7,000 people experiencing homelessness in Minnesota. As the winter weather approaches, this reality becomes even more agonizing.In the face of such adversity, it’s crucial to ensure that as many individuals as possible have access to vital winter resources. Fortunately, local organizations and programs are stepping up, providing shelter, sustenance, and life-saving support.
Together, we can make a difference. Join us in raising awareness about these invaluable resources and take a moment to explore the winter warming options below. By sharing these resources with your community, you can help those in need stay warm and safe during the cold months ahead.
Why Understanding These Resources Matters
As professionals in the substance use disorder field, we witness the often intertwined challenges of substance use disorders and homelessness on a daily basis. If you have clients who have faced housing instability or if you know someone who might be grappling with it this winter, we strongly encourage you to share this valuable resource. Having awareness of available options can be instrumental in potentially saving lives during this harsh winter season.
Winter Warming Resources in Minnesota
HENNEPIN COUNTY
Daytime
Catholic Charities Opportunity Center
612-204-8300
740 East 17th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55404
Catholic Charities map
Hours
- Monday – Saturday, 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Public transportation
- Metro Transit bus routes 2, 5, 9 and 14
Services and resources
- Breakfast and lunch
- Showers
- Internet access
- Laundry
- Storage lockers
Hope Avenue Twin Cities
612-709-0326
1229 Logan Avenue, Minneapolis
Hope Avenue Twin Cities map
Hours
- Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- Saturday, 9 – 11 a.m.
Services
- Clothing closet
- Meals
- Showers
- Haircuts
- Mats
- Alcoholics Anonymous
Hennepin County libraries
612-543-5669
All Hennepin County libraries are available as warming locations during regular business hours. Hennepin County libraries.
Minneapolis Central Library
612-543-8000
300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis
Hours
- Sunday 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
- Monday – Thursday 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- Friday – Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Services and resources
- Indoor heated space
- Time-limited computer access
- Social worker Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- No additional services offered
Hennepin County Government Center
612-348-3000
300 South 6th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55487
Hennepin County Government Center map
Hours
- Monday – Friday, 6 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Skyways open until 8 p.m.
Public transportation
- Metro Transit bus routes 5, 14, 19, 22, 94 and C Line
- Metro Transit light rail: Blue Line and Green Line – Government Plaza Stations
Building information
Government Center building and plaza rules
Peace House Community
612-870-7263
1816 Portland Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55404
Peace House Community map
Hours
- Monday – Friday, 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Public transportation
- Metro Transit bus routes 2 and 9
Services and resources
- Hot lunch: Daily, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Youthlink (ages 16–24 only)
612-252-1200
41 North 12th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55403
Youthlink map
Hours
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Wednesdays are by appointment only
Public transportation
- Metro Transit bus routes 4, 6, 9 and 12
Nighttime
American Indian Community Development Center (AICDC) KOLA, and A3 drop-in centers
KOLA: Walk-in at 1600 E 19th St, Minneapolis
Hours
- Daily 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Services and resources
- 50 spots on a first-come, first-serve basis
- Meals
- Showers
- Hygiene supplies
Salvation Army Harbor Light Center arctic shelter beds
Call the Hennepin Shelter Hotline to access these beds: 612-204-8200
Check-in time will be provided upon booking.
Located in downtown Minneapolis.
This location will ONLY open on nights with severely cold weather (is or feels like 0°F). It will be open all of January and February 2024.
Services and resources
- 25 mats for people who identify as male
- 15 spots in bunk beds for people who identify as female
- Meals
- Showers
- Hygiene supplies
Rescue Now shelter beds
Call the Hennepin Shelter Hotline to access these beds: 612-204-8200
Check-in time will be provided upon booking.
Located in Northeast Minneapolis.
Will open in early January.
Services and resources
- 50 cots
- Meals
- Showers
- Hygiene supplies
RAMSEY COUNTY
Open 6 p.m. to 9 a.m. daily.
Nov.15, 2023 – March 31, 2024.
Saint Paul Opportunity Center
422 Dorothy Day Place
For single adults and couples
Opens Nov. 15
Central Baptist Church
420 N. Roy Street
For families and youth ages 14-24
Opens Dec. 4
If you are in need of, or would like to refer someone to a warm space to stay at night, call 651-266-1050 or email [email protected]. Ramsey County staff are available from 5 p.m. to 5 a.m. to help refer people to the nearest warming space or extra available shelter beds. Additional warming space locations will be added as needed.
Please note: Youth ages 14-24 should go to Saint Paul Opportunity Center until Central Baptist Church opens Dec. 4.
Creating a Strong Support Network Is Key
In the midst of winter’s chill, the numbers remind us of the harsh reality – on any given January night, there are thousands of individuals in Minnesota experiencing homelessness. Yet, hope shines through as local organizations and programs provide vital support. By sharing these resources and raising awareness, we can make a collective impact that saves lives during this challenging season. Together, let’s ensure that no one faces the bitter cold without access to the help they need. As we explore these winter warming options, let us remember that compassion and community support are our greatest assets in overcoming the cold months ahead.
Affordable Housing Options in the State
Explore our extensive collection of affordable housing resources, available right here. Your support can make a meaningful impact in assisting others to discover housing options that suit their needs.
Sources:
Hennepin County Minnesota. “Severe Cold Warming Options.” Hennepin County Minnesota, 2023. https://www.hennepin.us/StayWarm.
Accessed 16 November 2023.
Ramsey County. “Winter Warming Spaces.” Ramsey County, 2023. https://www.ramseycounty.us/residents/assistance-support/assistance/housing-services-support/winter-warming-spaces-0.
Accessed 17 November 2023.