An Opportunity to Strengthen Our Shared Safety Net As the 2023 Legislative Session nears the finish line, critical funding for Minnesota’s Emergency Services Program (ESP) and Homeless Youth Act is still on the table. These programs remain the State’s most flexible funding sources to support adults and youth experiencing homelessness. Of the nearly 20,000 Minnesotans… (Read More)

An Opportunity to Invest in Our Homeless Elders Minnesota has a historic state budget surplus, and Catholic Charities is at the Capitol this Legislative Session advocating for increased public funding to support emergency shelter services and for policies that promote better housing outcomes for our community. One of our priorities this year is to secure… (Read More)

The Foster Grandparents of Northside Child Development Center At Catholic Charities, volunteers make a difference every day. For Sando Cooke (79) and Irene Ford (68) of Minneapolis, volunteer shifts take place daily in the classrooms of Northside Child Development Center (NCDC). Sando and Irene are part of the Foster Grandparents Program—a collaboration between the national… (Read More)

Providing a Haircut to Someone in Need Of the long list of daily services offered at the St. Paul and Minneapolis Opportunity Centers, haircuts are in high demand. For many guests, a haircut can help you feel like yourself—and can make a difference in how the world treats you. However, it’s a service that is… (Read More)

Recently, I completed “100 Conversations in 100 Days.” This was a chance for me to meet with leaders in government, business, and faith communities—as well as Catholic Charities staff, clients, donors, and volunteers—to share our experiences and collaborate on solutions. I heard an overwhelming message of gratitude for our team’s work, as well as insights… (Read More)