History of St. Joseph's Home for Children

History of St. Joseph's Home for Children

When land was bought for the Minneapolis Catholic Boys' Home in 1885, the intersection of 46th Street and Chicago Avenue was a half-day's ride from the city. The green countryside that stretched south to Minnehaha Creek promised a pastoral experience for children.

Both the Minneapolis Catholic Boys' Home and St. Joseph's Home for Children in St. Paul were founded to address a critical need of the late 19th century: children left parentless by epidemics and other hardships of pioneer life. The nuns who staffed the homes offered motherly care to hundreds of children well into the 20th century.

The 1960s saw two important shifts. First, society turned to favor foster placement over orphanage care. The Minneapolis Catholic Boys' Home and St. Joseph's Home for Children were consolidated on the Boys' Home property under St. Joe's name.

Today, St. Joe's continues to serve the community as a part of Catholic Charities. Several programs for children, including an emergency shelter, health clinic and mental health services, operate at St. Joe's.

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Catholic Charities of St. Paul & Minneapolis 1200 Second Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55403 612-204-8500