180 degrees awarded $1.5 million to renovate st. cloud youth emergency shelter

The Minnesota Department of Human Services through its Economic Assistance and Employment Supports Division (STATE), has awarded 180 Degrees $1.5 million in grant funding to renovate, equip, and furnish the St. Cloud Youth Emergency Shelter. The proposed renovation is designed to mitigate transmission of infectious diseases in the facility while improving the safety and emotional well-being of youth, staff, and their families.

"The COVID pandemic highlighted the need to improve health and safety features for youth staying in our shelter." said Dan Pfarr, CEO at 180 Degrees. "This renovation project will allow us to update our shelter in many ways, including a kitchen remodel, improved HVAC and electrical systems, and private bedrooms for all youth. It also allows us to increase our ability to maintain social distancing when necessary.”

The 12-bed Emergency Youth Shelter located on Washington Memorial Drive in St. Cloud has sheltered over 2,500 teens in crisis since its opening in 1993. It is the only 24-hour youth shelter serving all genders/sexual orientations, and all religious affiliations, in a large geography of 13-counties spanning Central MN.

“After years of continuous 24/7/365 use, the St. Cloud Youth Emergency Shelter facility needs some critical updates,” says 180 Degrees CEO/President Dan Pfarr. “Additionally, as we have applied the principles of Trauma Responsive Care to our work, we have learned to place an increased emphasis on the physical environment and how they can help/assist the healing process for our clients.”

​The St. Cloud Youth Shelter, a program of 180 Degrees, has been a key regional safety net for youth and families in the region. Founded in 1973, 180 Degrees is a multi-cultural social service agency providing emergency shelter and housing for homeless youth, victims of sex trafficking, and men exiting prison.

​Design is underway with construction slated to begin June, 2022. Shelter services will continue during renovation.