As winter approaches, Catholic Charities Twin Cities is preparing to meet increased demand for shelter, Tatyana Finklea, division director of emergency services at Catholic Charities Twin Cities, said. 

Finklea manages the organization’s nightly programs and day shelters in Minneapolis and St. Paul, ensuring unhoused residents have access to meals, hygiene facilities and wraparound services.

“Our day shelter provides meals, showers, laundry and a place to store belongings,” Finklea said. “Guests can also connect with employment specialists, coordinated entry assessments and partner agencies to help stabilize their situation.”

Crisis response organization Agate Housing and Services provides support for people experiencing homelessness. Including help with basic needs, housing shelters and street outreach.

Virginia Brown, external relations vice president, said that Agate is a crisis response organization working with people who face homelessness. 

“We provide a continuum of services from street outreach to shelter,” Brown said. “We also provide services for those who have housing that needs additional support to maintain that housing stability.”

The Minneapolis programs include the Higher Ground Minneapolis Shelter, which provides night-by-night shelter for about 125 individuals. A pay-for-stay program on the second floor allows guests to remain during the day while working toward permanent housing, according to Brown. 

Services include meals, showers, locker space, foot care, medical clinics and access to Ramsey County benefits and probation support.

Finklea said winter brings higher demand for shelter.

“As temperatures drop, we see an increase in demand for shelter beds,” Finklea said. “Winter warming centers serve as an alternative when shelters reach capacity, keeping individuals safe from the elements overnight.”

Higher Grounds also provides services for families and youth. For those aged 18 to 24, Hope Street Youth Shelter in Minneapolis offers transitional housing. 

“All of our services are free,” Finklea said. “We rely on staff, volunteers and donations. Individuals can volunteer to serve meals, distribute hygiene products, or share professional skills.”

CC Twin Cities also operates about 1,000 permanent supportive housing units across the Twin Cities for individuals who have experienced long-term homelessness.

Mayor Jacob Frey said homelessness is down 33% in Hennepin County.

“That’s not just a stat — it’s thousands of neighbors moving into homes,” Frey said on X. “This progress isn’t happening everywhere. But it’s happening in MPLS because city, county, & local partners are working together every day.”

Catholic Charities Shelter Information:

• Higher Ground Minneapolis (Night by Night Shelter): ~125 beds nightly; check in via Hennepin County Adult Shelter Connect.
• Higher Ground St. Paul (Night Shelter): 5 p.m.–9:30 p.m., 232 beds; co-ed.
• Youth Shelter (Hope Street, Minneapolis): Transitional housing for ages 18–24, includes wraparound services and mental health support.
• Family Service Center (St. Paul): Shelter for 21 families with supportive services.

Cold weather is a major concern in Minnesota. Hennepin County does not have enough shelter beds for everyone who is unsheltered, which makes Agate’s services needed more than ever in Minneapolis.

Brown said there are not enough shelter beds in Hennepin County to provide shelter to everyone who is living unsheltered.

Agate accepts volunteers. Interested individuals can find openings on the agency’s website.

Brown said funding also weighs heavily on the organization. Agate relies primarily on Hennepin County’s support and philanthropic donations. 

“One of our biggest concerns is a fiscal cliff that will come at the end of 2026 for a 24/7 shelter that allows us to have our shelter residents stay inside all day. It keeps them safer,” Brown said. “When that funding runs out, we are very concerned about our ability to really work towards permanent housing with our shelter guests.