Avivo Village opens 48-room homeless shelter in St. Cloud

Avivo Village officially opened its new 48-unit emergency homeless shelter in St. Cloud during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, October 2. The facility, designed to provide dignity and support, includes private rooms with beds, wardrobes, nightstands, chairs, and TV stands. Shared living spaces feature a laundry room, kitchen, and outdoor area for recreation, pet care, and gatherings.

Avivo President and CEO Kelly Matter emphasized the shelter’s mission to help individuals take “the next best steps” in their lives. Residents will receive mental health care, case management, recovery support, and assistance in finding permanent housing. The shelter also aims to equip individuals with skills to improve their circumstances.

The facility is supported by partnerships with local organizations, including St. Cloud Financial Credit Union, which will offer financial literacy courses, and CentraCare, Goodwill, the Central Minnesota Mental Health Center, the local Humane Society, and College of St. Benedict nursing students. These collaborations aim to provide comprehensive support to those entering the shelter.

Avivo will accept its first 48 residents during the week of October 19. Referrals from county homeless outreach teams or other local shelters are required for admission. The length of stay will be determined by individual need, and the 24/7 facility will have at least three staff members on duty at all times, including a security guard.

The shelter was made possible through funding from the state legislature, the city of St. Cloud, and various grants. Avivo received $7.65 million from the state in 2023 and an additional $1.1 million from the city, primarily from state and federal grants. A $15,000 grant from the Initiative Foundation helped upgrade the shelter’s heating, cooling, and energy systems.

Benton County homeless outreach staff estimate that between 450 and 500 people are currently homeless in the area. The opening of Avivo Village represents a step toward addressing housing insecurity and providing care for vulnerable neighbors, reflecting a commitment to mercy and justice. As Proverbs 31:8-9 reminds us, we are called to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves and to defend the rights of the poor and needy.

Source: Read the original report