Emergency Services
Catholic Charities provides immediate support when it’s needed most.
A lifeline for those in need
Our emergency services give community members safety and relief in times of crisis. From overnight shelter to hot meals, Catholic Charities helps meet the basic needs of Twin Cities residents who are facing hardship.
In 2023, we provided more than 3,000 people with a safe place to stay while they navigated homelessness, and every day, we connect people to the vital resources they need to build a foundation and restart their lives.
Overnight emergency shelter
Calm in the midst of chaos
In Minnesota’s harsh winters, finding refuge on a cold night can be the difference between life and death. Catholic Charities provides temporary housing for children, families and adults experiencing or at risk of homelessness. With amenities from showers and laundry to storage spaces and electronic device charging, our emergency housing centers offer safe, healing spaces for people to get back on their feet.
Help in Action: Higher Ground shelters
With locations in both Minneapolis and Saint Paul, Catholic Charities’ Higher Ground shelters are equipped with peaceful, naturally lit spaces and bunks that include electrical outlets, fresh linens, and space for personal items.
The shelters are part of integrated campuses with transitional shelters, permanent housing, and opportunity centers with programs designed to prevent homelessness and help residents rebuild their lives.
Hot meals
A basic necessity
Access to warm, nourishing food is essential for those who are experiencing homelessness and food insecurity. Many of Catholic Charities’ locations provide food services, with options for breakfast, lunch, dinner and family-style meals. Each year, Catholic Charities serves about 1 million meals to people in need across the Twin Cities.
Medical respite
A haven for healing
Through ongoing partnerships with local hospitals, Catholic Charities Twin Cities helps provide medical respite programs in both Minneapolis and St. Paul to prevent people experiencing homelessness and leaving the hospital from being discharged to the street. A community of nurses, social workers, mental health professionals, care managers, and health workers are involved in the stabilization and wellbeing of these individuals.
Help in Action: Charles’ recovery story
Last winter, Charles had an elbow replacement surgery in an effort to regain mobility and decrease pain. Unlike most who leave the hospital after surgery, Charles didn’t have a family to help him out or a safe space to recovery.
Thanks to Catholic Charities’ Medical Respite program at Higher Ground Saint Paul and referring hospitals, Charles and others like him are recovering from injuries and making healthful gains. So far, the Medical Respite wing at Higher Ground Saint Paul has cared for nearly 350 people.
Social service support
Guidance toward a better future
While Catholic Charities centers are focused on addressing immediate needs, we also provide more comprehensive help in the form of medical and dental care, social services, mental health consultations, legal services, and job opportunities. With the right guidance, Twin Cities residents facing long-term struggles can recover from medical woes, find employment, and lay the groundwork for a more stable life.
Need help?
Contact us to get started and find the services to match your needs.