Unsheltered Homelessness for Older Adults

How Displacement Happens

Thomas and his wife Yolanda spent decades working hard so they could enjoy their golden years together. But after a flood took away their apartment and everything inside, they found themselves in a position they never expected: living outside as older adults. In 2024, Thomas and Yolanda endured months of unsheltered homelessness. They had to navigate freezing weather, chronic illnesses, and be on the move constantly to find places to sleep.

“Nobody is prepared to be homeless…I never thought it could happen in a million years,” Thomas recalled. “Weeks felt like months, and the days never seemed to end.”

A Safe Place to Go

Eventually, Thomas and Yolanda found shelter at Catholic Charities Dorothy Day Place in St. Paul. There, they had access to three meals a day, laundry, showers, case management services, and more. Staff at Dorothy Day Place referred Thomas and Yolanda to Catholic Charities Homeless Elders Program. They help vulnerable seniors move out of shelter and into safe, permanent homes. For Thomas, this was a significant turning point.

“I’m so serious…Catholic Charities saved our lives. They helped me. They turned my whole life around and helped me get back on track,” he said.

Moving Back Home

Temporary shelter and personalized case management support successfully resulted in permanent, independent living for Thomas and Yolanda.

In November 2024, they were the very first residents to sign a lease and move into a new affordable housing community for low-income seniors in Saint Paul. The move came right in time for Yolanda to cook Christmas dinner for their new neighbors – something she hadn’t been able to do for a long time.

“Do you know how good it felt to do that again?” said Thomas reflecting about hosting loved ones in their new home. “You know, we weren’t just thinking about ourselves. We were thinking about friends we made at Dorothy Day Place that we still talk to [today] . . . we check on each other.”

If it wasn’t for programs like the Homeless Elders Program to help you get back on track, then what are you going to do?”

 

Targeted Support and Resources Work

The ease in which anyone – young or elderly – can slip into homelessness is not lost on Thomas.

“You could have lost stuff through fire. You could lose stuff to a job, or an ended marriage or relationship, or just bad health,” Thomas said, “and if it wasn’t for programs like the Homeless Elders Program to help you get back on track, then what are you going to do?”

Today, Thomas and Yolanda are thriving as they turn their new apartment into a home. Thomas calls the place his castle and expresses deep appreciation for where he is now, thanks to the Homeless Elders Program.

“This program saves lives. And I’m the living proof.”

Funding the Homeless Elders Program

Thomas sat down with the Minnesota Star Tribune and shared his story during the 2025 Minnesota legislative session. His voice, along with the stories of two other Homeless Elders clients, played a role in the $1,000,000 appropriation that Catholic Charities Twin Cities received from the State this year in support of the Homeless Elders program.

The Homeless Elders Program last received support from the State in 2023 and has since helped more than 300 seniors move into permanent housing. With renewed funding, the program will continue to serve vulnerable older adults in the Twin Cities.

All Are Welcome at Catholic Charities

Experiencing Homelessness as a Member of the LGBTQ+ Community

James had navigated his way through more challenges than the average person. He was only 47 years old but had battled chronic illness for a long time. He required the use of a cane to walk and had struggled with addiction in the past, too. But James worked hard to build towards the life he wanted, and he wore his identities proudly. Disabled. Sober. Gay. Survivor.

When James fled from an abusive relationship in another state, he packed what he could and bought a one-way Amtrak ticket to Minnesota.

“I knew I needed to move somewhere far away,” James explained. “It cost me money that I didn’t have but there was no other choice.” James arrived at Union Depot in St. Paul in poor health. He had recently sustained domestic violence injuries and hadn’t been able to manage his other chronic conditions, so he checked himself into Regions Hospital. It was there that he learned about Catholic Charities.

Moving to Safety

“When I came out of the hospital, I went to Dorothy Day Place and reserved a bunk in the overnight shelter,” James said. “One of the first things I saw was a sticker that said, ‘all are welcome here.’ It made me feel like I had finally found place where I belong — the intake worker here uses a cane like I do, and when I asked the staff about being a member of the LGBTQ community, they told me that they accept everybody for who they are.”

Due to James’ past trauma, being able to establish trust with Catholic Charities staff was essential to his progress. And the team at Dorothy Day Place showed James that he could count on them. “People here have been there for me when I needed it the most – they showed me compassion and went above and beyond for me,” said James.

A Place to Heal

James had his basic needs met at Dorothy Day Place. But aside from things like shelter, food, and safety, he found resources that helped him heal physically and mentally. Over 4,000 people volunteer in different ways with Catholic Charities each year, and some simply provide companionship to people receiving services. “Every Wednesday and Friday, I meet with a Volunteer Listener,” explained James. “It makes such a difference to have someone to talk to.” James also accessed mental health care from Radias Health at Dorothy Day Place.

Above all else, James emphasized how he found a sense of trust and community with Catholic Charities. And while he has made friends at the shelter, he is currently working to find a permanent place to live. “I’ve dealt with more discrimination and hate than you can imagine,” stated James, “But I don’t know that I’ve ever been helped like this before — I’m ready to move on, but I’m so thankful for this place.”

Homelessness Among Vulnerable Populations

Across the country, statistics show that people who identify as LGBTQ+ are more likely to experience housing instability, housing discrimination, and homelessness than their non-LGBTQ+ peers.

According to the National Coalition for the Homeless, LGBTQ+ individuals experiencing homelessness “face difficulty in trying to find support services, especially since they may be harassed in shelters by peers or staff and therefore feel uncomfortable and unsafe seeking help.”

LGBTQ+ people report higher rates of being turned away from shelters, along with other traumatic experiences. Per data from Wilder Research, Minnesotans experiencing homelessness who identify as LGBTQ+ “were more likely to report each type of violence, abuse, and sexual exploitation measured on the survey. This violence is both a cause of homelessness and can be a result of the unsafe situations in which homeless people often need to stay.”

All Are Welcome at Catholic Charities Twin Cities

Our community includes staff, clients, donors, volunteers, and advocates who identify as LGBTQ+.

Part of our work to advocate for justice in the community involves affirming the dignity of every human person. Everyone deserves to exist without fear of discrimination or violence. We are proud to serve everyone in need, regardless of faith, background, identity or circumstance. Join us as we work to build a community where all are welcome!

Using Talents to Help Others

Volunteer Spotlight: Karen Martodam

When Karen Martodam retired from her career as an accountant in 2015, she knew she wanted to give back—she just wasn’t sure how. In 2016, her brother-in-law, former Catholic Charities CEO Paul Martodam, encouraged her to volunteer at Higher Ground Minneapolis. She began as a front desk volunteer, answering phones, but her role quickly evolved into something much more personal.

A lifelong sewing enthusiast and avid quilter, Karen noticed a need among the residents and guests—clothing repairs. Zippers, buttons, and other basic fixes were frequently requested, but few had the tools or skills to make the repairs. “I knew that a lot of people can’t fix their own clothing,” she said, “so it was important to me to fill a niche.”

Paying it Forward

Since then, Karen has become a regular sewing volunteer at both the Higher Ground Residence and Shelter in Minneapolis and the Mary F. Frey Opportunity Center. She brings everything she needs: sewing machine, iron and pad, cutting mat, more than 20 colors of thread, zippers, Velcro, bias tape, and fabric scraps. She donates all the materials herself. “People offer to pay me, but no—this is my chance to pay it forward.”

A Meaningful Impact

Over the years, Karen has gotten to know a handful of Higher Ground residents. They often ask her to hem shirts, patch up coats, or repair torn sheets. One man regularly brings her his favorite knit gloves so she can mend the holes in the fingertips. Recently, she fixed a favorite sweatshirt for a longtime resident named George and took in the waist of a new pair of pants for one of his neighbors. Both men recognized her at her sewing table and were excited to have her help. Karen values the relationships she’s built and the tangible difference she’s able to make through her skills.

Volunteers like Karen are essential to the work of Catholic Charities Twin Cities. Meaningful contributions don’t always require specialized training or large-scale commitments—sometimes, the most impactful service comes from everyday talents used in service to others.

 
Want help finding the right volunteer opportunity? Call: (612) 204-8435

Day Treatment Helps Families

Finding Hope at Catholic Charities

Emily is a dedicated mother and a fierce advocate for her three sons. She is a survivor of domestic violence who has worked tirelessly to build a bright future for her children. But during the last few years, Emily faced a crisis — her son Lucas began struggling with severe behavioral and emotional challenges. Lucas had experienced emotional difficulties before, but things worsened in 4th grade when he learned that his elementary school was closing. Leaving friends behind and transitioning to a new environment triggered an emotional spiral.

As Lucas’s behavior worsened, Emily had to resort to calling the police on her son. When these calls became more frequent, Emily knew he needed more help than traditional schools and outpatient therapy could provide. That’s when they found Catholic Charities Children’s Day Treatment, a program in Minneapolis that offers mental health services and academics on-site.

Support to Build New Skills

Emily and Lucas were referred to Catholic Charities Children’s Day Treatment Program through their psychiatrist. From the moment Emily walked in, she felt a sense of relief. “The first time we came here, I remember sitting in the office and seeing Catholic Charities’ values on the wall,” she recalled. “I read them and thought, ‘Okay, this is the place for us.’”

Over the course of a school year, Day Treatment provided Lucas with structure, specialized support, and a team that truly understood his needs. “They really focused on his strengths, not just the challenges,” Emily said. “He started to see himself as capable, and that changed everything.”

Over time, Lucas developed the skills needed to transition back into general education. But Emily worried that his new school would have concerns about him. Catholic Charities staff stood by them every step of the way. “The school was concerned about how he would transition back, but Catholic Charities reassured them that he was ready . . . and they were right, he was.”

“I truly believe this place saved his life . . . we were at a breaking point, and Catholic Charities gave us the support we needed to turn things around.”

A Special Graduation

Lucas’s graduation from Day Treatment was an emotional moment for everyone involved. “The staff cried; the kids cried . . . it wasn’t just another day, it was a huge milestone,” Emily shared.

Today, Lucas is thriving. He’s still in a specialized classroom but is gradually integrating into general education at his own pace. He still reminisces about his time at Catholic Charities and the support he received. “He misses this place so much,” Emily said. “He still talks about the teachers and the staff, even now that he’s in middle school.”

For Emily and her family, Catholic Charities Children’s Day Treatment was more than just a program, it was a lifeline. “I truly believe this place saved his life,” she said. “We were at a breaking point, and Catholic Charities gave us the support we needed to turn things around.”

Healing at Endeavors Residence

Nicole Finds Catholic Charities Twin Cities

Born in Australia, Nicole moved to the United States to pursue her college education. She earned a psychology degree with honors from St. Cloud State University and had dreams of becoming a marriage and family therapist.

But in 2019, a difficult breakup with a long-term partner triggered a downward spiral. “I suffer from depression, and it just spiraled out of control,” Nicole shared. She lost her job after missing too many days of work and lost her housing after falling behind on rent. Nicole had nowhere else to go and began living out of her car. She stayed with friends when possible but experienced homelessness for almost two years.

While staying in her car, Nicole’s life changed forever. She was the victim of a violent assault that left her partially paralyzed. She spent months in the hospital and barely survived. At the hospital, Nicole was referred to a Catholic Charities medical respite program, which provides a place to stay for people who would otherwise be discharged to the street. It was there she began her journey toward stability.

Joining a New Community

Nicole was hesitant about the program. “I was terrified—I’d never been in a wheelchair, and I didn’t have any friends downtown,” she admitted. Despite her fears, she found compassionate support from staff there. “My case manager was amazing, she would knock on my door every morning to make sure I was okay,” Nicole said. In 2022, Catholic Charities opened Endeavors Residence in Minneapolis — a supportive housing program that provides 173 apartments for single adults and veterans who have experienced homelessness. Nicole was one of the first people to move into the new building.

One of the things Nicole values most at Endeavors Residence is the community she discovered there. “If I was in a different apartment building, I’d be lucky to know one or two neighbors,” she shared, “I know everyone here, and I know they’ll help if I need it.”

Nicole also found comfort through adopting a support animal, a cat named Daisy. “She’s the best thing that’s happened to me in years,” Nicole said.

Catholic Charities has helped me get to a place where I can start thinking about the future again.”

Looking Towards the Future

Reflecting on her journey, Nicole emphasized how homelessness can happen to anyone. “I couldn’t even fathom what homelessness looked like until I became homeless,” she said. “It really is just one thing after another . . . you miss rent, and suddenly, you’re evicted.

Programs like Endeavors provide more than just a roof over someone’s head; they offer a place to heal and resources for people to get where they want to be.

Nicole’s resilience shines through as she continues to rebuild her life. While she faces ongoing challenges, she’s determined to move forward. “Catholic Charities has helped me get to a place where I can start thinking about the future again,” she said.

Zoomin’ with Catholic Charities

An Opportunity to Meet Catholic Charities’ Leadership

Zoomin’ with Catholic Charities is a special one-hour webinar with agency leadership, and an opportunity to discuss how we are solving issues and improving the lives of our neighbors.

Introducing CEO Jamie Verbrugge

The most recent Zoomin’ with Catholic Charities introduced our new CEO Jamie Verbrugge, and focused on our housing, shelter, and aging and disability services programs.

Helping Homeless Elders

Clyde’s Experience with Homelessness

Clyde’s life is a testament to his perseverance and the power of community support. Clyde grew up in Gary, Indiana, as one of 12 children. His parents’ strength and guidance were something he appreciated. Reflecting on his journey, Clyde shared, “I hit three years clean last November 10th, and I know [my parents] would have been so happy that I changed my life around.”

But Clyde’s path to sobriety was far from easy. Growing up in Gary during a time of economic decline left a mark. “After U.S. Steel shut down, people had to find other ways to survive,” he said. For Clyde, the struggles of his environment led to years of battling addiction.

Addiction made it difficult for Clyde to maintain jobs and it held him back from the life he wanted. Clyde has experienced cycles of homelessness, estrangement from his loved ones, and legal troubles. “Everywhere I went, my addiction came with me,” he said.

Finding Help at Catholic Charities

Clyde lived in Minneapolis for years, working a steady job at the airport. When that fell through, he moved to Louisville, Kentucky. His battle with addiction continued there. He worked and lost multiple jobs in Louisville and eventually lost his housing too.

Clyde made the decision to return to Minnesota in 2021 with a renewed determination to get sober. He found Catholic Charities Dorothy Day Campus in St. Paul. “I told them I needed a place to stay,” Clyde shared. There, he was provided with shelter and connected to resources to address his addiction and rebuild his life. “They asked, ‘What are your plans?’ and I told them I wanted to get away from drugs and alcohol,” he recalled.

After staying in the overnight shelter at Dorothy Day Place, Clyde was connected to the Catholic Charities Homeless Elders program. The Homeless Elders program serves people over 60 years old and provides intensive case management and advocacy on their behalf. It goes beyond addressing immediate needs to empower individuals with long-term solutions. The Homeless Elders team referred Clyde to a sober living facility in St. Paul where he fully committed to recovery.

Having my own place . . . it has helped me stay sober, stay clean, and stay focused on myself.”

Pursuing New Goals

He graduated from the program and, within a week, secured permanent housing through the Homeless Elders program. “They knew how serious I was — they put me where I’m at today,” Clyde said. Clyde moved into his own apartment in the West Side neighborhood of St. Paul in July of 2022 — something he describes as a huge milestone.

Today, Clyde’s life looks entirely different. He is sober, employed, and has a strong community around him. “Having my own place . . . it has helped me stay sober, stay clean, and stay focused on myself,” he said. The trust he has built with his neighbors and the responsibilities he has taken on, such as working security in his building, have given him a sense of belonging.

Clyde expressed his gratitude, saying, “Catholic Charities put me in a good place.” He views his case managers Melea and Melissa as friends and keep in touch with them regularly.

Now, Clyde is focused on rebuilding relationships with his family and gratitude for his new life. “I’m still finding out who I am, and I’m getting so many blessings,” he said.

Baking for Families in Shelter

A Meaningful Way to Volunteer

During the pandemic, Betty Swords was searching for a meaningful way to help. With more free time for baking, she quickly realized that the cookies and cakes were piling up at home. Wanting to put her skills to good use, she reached out to Catholic Charities to see if there was a way she could volunteer. The team helped set up an opportunity for Betty to bake for guests at Catholic Charities’ Family Service Center (FSC) in Maplewood.

Since then, Betty has volunteered more than 250 times, creating desserts for families experiencing homelessness in Ramsey County. Betty meticulously plans her recipes, adapting to available ingredients, food allergies, and preferences of shelter guests.

Her desserts are a small but meaningful source of joy for the families in shelter.

Supporting Families Experiencing Homelessness

The Family Service Center provides shelter, meals, and supports to families in crisis, helping them regain stability and find permanent housing. Volunteers play an essential role at FSC. For Betty, volunteering is a natural extension of a lifelong commitment to service. She encourages others to do the same: “Find your niche, something you enjoy. It makes it easy to keep going back.” Her desserts do more than satisfy a sweet tooth — they remind families that someone cares.

Catholic Charities relies on the generosity and dedication of volunteers, offering not just food and shelter but also dignity and community.

“Find your niche, something you enjoy. It makes it easy to keep going back.”

Woman in a food pantry smiling

Volunteers Needed

Volunteering with Catholic Charities Twin Cities can take many forms, and our teams can accommodate anyone who wants to put their talents to use!

Getting started as a volunteer is easy, with daily shifts available at various program sites across the Twin Cities. We also offer opportunities for groups, families, youth, and student internships. To learn more, visit: cctwincities.org/volunteer

The Importance of a Haircut

Catholic Charities Twin Cities is currently seeking licensed volunteer hairstylists and barbers—especially those with experience with curly & coily hair. Scheduling is flexible with daytime shifts available Monday through Friday.

Are you a hairstylist or barber interested in making a difference? Email us at volunteer@cctwincities.org to get started!

Providing a Haircut to Someone in Need

Catholic Charities Twin Cities volunteers do a wide range of things to help the agency serve people in need every day. And of the long list of daily services offered at the St. Paul and Minneapolis Opportunity Centers, haircuts are in high demand. For many people, a haircut can help you feel like yourself—and can make a difference in how the world treats you.

Man sitting in chair gets a haircut

Meeting a Community Need

Alice Shea, a Roseville resident and former salon owner, brings over four decades of experience to her Monday morning volunteer shifts. While clipping hair in the Opportunity Center’s sun-filled personal care room, Alice shared her story, why she chooses to volunteer regularly, and emphasized the importance of a haircut.

“I retired from salon ownership and working a little over three years ago,” said Alice. Shortly after retiring, Alice heard about the St. Paul Opportunity Center’s new salon space through a friend. “She told me that this was just opening and that they needed volunteers” Alice explained.

Since then, Alice has been a regular volunteer. During the pandemic, when services like hair care weren’t available, Alice picked up volunteer shifts at the Catholic Charities Distribution Center.

Originally from Minnesota, Alice remarked, “I went to Barber School right here on Seven Corners! The Cossetta’s building used to house the Barber School that I went to.” Cutting hair in the same neighborhood fifty years later, Alice said, “I feel like I’m making a full circle here.”

Almost before she had finished speaking, Erik, a guest at the St. Paul Opportunity Center, showed up for his appointment with Alice and asked, “Hey, are you cutting hair? It’s been two years since I’ve had my hair cut.” Erik told us he had “been kind of going in with scissors” himself since his last haircut and described his hair as “a real mess”.

Unfortunately, not everybody in need of hair care can receive service each week. According to Alice, “there’s always people who come up and stop by to see if they can get a haircut”, who weren’t able to make an appointment.

“It feels good to provide this service for people that might not otherwise be able to access it. To have your head washed and be given a haircut and some personal attention makes a big difference.” – Alice

Man getting haircut

Help Wanted!

Catholic Charities Twin Cities is currently seeking licensed volunteer hairstylists and barbers—especially those with experience with curly & coily hair. Scheduling is flexible with daytime shifts available Monday through Friday.

Are you a hairstylist or barber interested in making a difference? Email us at volunteer@cctwincities.org to get started!

Support for Homeless Elders

An Unexpected Experience with Homelessness

Bill has been a member of the St. Paul community for a long time and worked for years to support people experiencing homelessness in different ways. He served on the Board of Directors for Westside Community Health (now known as Minnesota Community Care), volunteered regularly, and became familiar with services available to people facing homelessness.

In the Spring of 2019, Bill’s apartment flooded after heavy rains and snowmelt, and homelessness was something he began to experience himself. Bill and other residents of his building were forced to evacuate, and he had nowhere to go and couldn’t afford a new apartment. Fortunately, Bill knew where to turn for resources. Even with that knowledge, he was unprepared for the challenges he now faced. “I didn’t think it would happen to me,” Bill admitted, “but I knew what to do.”

Bill turned to Catholic Charities for help. At Dorothy Day Place in St. Paul, Bill found shelter, dignity, and hope. The facility provided meals, laundry services, and compassionate care. Bill had the support needed to rebuild his life.

Catholic Charities Homeless Elders Program

After staying at the overnight shelter at Dorothy Day Place for several months, Bill found the Homeless Elders Program. The Homeless Elders team provides case management to people over the age of 60 who are experiencing homelessness. The program helps elders get connected to resources, housing, and other supportive services to assist with successful independent living.

Through the Homeless Elders program, Bill met with Dani, his case manager. Her empathy and guidance helped him regain stability and plan for the future. “She comes to you and gets to be your friend,” Bill said. “Dani saw me.”

“Transition is difficult the older you get – change is not easy,” Bill said. “but Dorothy Day Place is fantastic for any individual . . . tell them what you need, and they’ll help you.”

Man sitting in chair smiles

Personalized Support for Vulnerable Neighbors

Bill’s path to stability was not without further obstacles. As he began to find his footing, the COVID-19 pandemic upended his plans. Catholic Charities relocated vulnerable neighbors, including Bill, from shelters to hotels for safety.

Dani’s personalized approach made Bill feel valued and supported as he worked toward rebuilding his life. With her help, he transitioned into permanent housing, a milestone that surprised Bill with its efficiency. “Transition is difficult the older you get – change is not easy,” Bill said. “But Dorothy Day Place is fantastic for any individual . . . tell them what you need, and they’ll help you.”

Catholic Charities’ Homeless Elders program is a lifeline for individuals like Bill. This program addresses the unique challenges faced by older adults experiencing homelessness, who often struggle with physical health issues, limited financial resources, and the emotional toll of displacement.