Essential Winter Warming Resources for Those Experiencing Homelessness in Minnesota

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

Mail

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.