On November 13, 2023, the Southeast Minnesota Youth Shelter officially opened its doors, providing a crucial resource for up to 12 teenagers facing homelessness or crises. The facility, built at a cost of $10 million, aims to create a safe and supportive environment for youth in need.
Transition from Old Shelter
The new shelter, operated by 180 Degrees, replaces the former VonWald Youth Shelter, which had served the community since the 1980s. Dan Pfarr, president and CEO of 180 Degrees, noted that the transition was both timely and significant. “The building is just the vessel,” Pfarr stated. “It’s the place where kids go, where our staff work, and it’s a place for healing.”
Staff and teens relocated from the old facility to the new shelter about a month ago, ahead of schedule. One resident expressed enthusiasm, stating, “This is a shelter on steroids,” while another remarked on the privacy of having their own room for the first time.
The previous VonWald building had only eight bedrooms, often requiring teens to share spaces. Christina Tollefson, the program manager, recounted challenging experiences where new arrivals would wake up to unfamiliar faces in shared rooms, causing confusion and anxiety.
Features of the New Facility
Located on a 7-acre property south of Rochester, the new shelter boasts a larger footprint, featuring 12 individual bedrooms with potential for expansion to 16. The facility includes spacious dining and kitchen areas, a fitness room, and multiple common areas for leisure activities.
“They have the opportunity to spread out,” Tollefson explained. “They can go into game rooms, art rooms, or simply seek a quiet space if they need it.” This design aims to foster a sense of security and personal space, essential for the shelter’s young residents.
The new building also enhances the work environment for staff, providing private offices for confidential discussions with clients and their families. Pfarr emphasized the importance of creating a safe atmosphere for the youth, who typically stay for days, weeks, or even months due to issues ranging from unstable housing to mental health crises.
“What people think kids need is often based around punishment,” he said. “What we know about the youth who come here is that it’s a place where they can feel safe, allowing them to achieve their goals, such as graduating high school or finding a job.”
State Senator Carla Nelson of Rochester highlighted the shelter’s role in promoting resilience among youth, expressing her approval of the facility’s bright and welcoming environment. “I am particularly pleased to think about the youth who have this beautiful facility now filled with light and love and joy and opportunity,” she stated during the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
At the ceremony, Rochester Mayor Kim Norton paid tribute to the legacy of the late Chuck VonWald, the former Olmsted County sheriff who founded the original shelter. “The sheriff’s vision was about providing a safe, secure place where children feel supported and loved,” Norton remarked. “That’s what it’s all about.”
The Southeast Minnesota Youth Shelter is a vital addition to the region, reflecting a decade-long effort to enhance support for vulnerable youth. Last year, the shelter provided services to young people from across Southeast Minnesota, demonstrating its essential role in the community.
