Media advisory

Virtual town hall meetings announced
regarding potential family shelter at the Provincial House

Interfaith Action of Greater Saint Paul, Ramsey County, and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet will host two virtual community town hall meetings on December 21, 2020, and January 5, 2021, from 5 – 6:30 p.m. to discuss the possibility of leasing the Provincial House for use as shelter for families experiencing homelessness.

The proposed site, located at 1880 Randolph Avenue in the Highland Park neighborhood of Saint Paul, would serve approximately 20 families with minor children, almost all under the age of 12. The town hall meetings are the first step in a community process to evaluate this potential shelter location.

What:
Virtual town hall meetings to discuss a potential shelter for families with children experiencing homelessness, to be located in the Sisters of St. Joseph’s Provincial House at 1880 Randolph Avenue

Where:
Join via Zoom or phone

When:
December 21, 2020
5 – 6:30 p.m.

January 5, 2021
5 – 6:30 p.m.

Background
COVID-19 and the subsequent economic downturn have exacerbated the housing and shelter crises in Ramsey County. The county and its partners have been working since the start of the pandemic to identify locations in the community that could provide additional shelter for those who are experiencing housing instability or unsheltered homelessness. The building, located at 1880 Randolph Avenue, served as offices and a residence for the Sisters for nearly 100 years and has been underutilized since 2010.

The Sisters agreed on Friday, December 11, 2020, to explore the opportunity of leasing the Provincial House for use as a shelter for families with children experiencing homelessness, noting that it aligns with their long history of caring for the “dear neighbor” and their pursuit of “moving always toward the profound love of God and love of neighbor without distinction.” The Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet are part of an international community of women religious in the Roman Catholic tradition.

Interfaith Action, with financial support from Ramsey County, would operate the Provincial House as part of its Project Home program. For 23 years, Project Home has provided shelter and supportive services for families experiencing homelessness at area synagogues and churches, including many in the Highland Park and Mac Groveland neighborhoods. Project Home at the Provincial House, combined with the shelters at synagogues and churches (which will re-open post-Covid), could significantly reduce or even eliminate the waiting list of families seeking shelter. Interfaith Action’s rapid exit support team would be on site to help families find permanent, affordable housing and connect them to employment and educational opportunities.

To learn more, ask questions or provide feedback, visit ramseycounty.us/housingstability.

Media contact:
Sara Swenson, 952-221-5368

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