Homelessness in Minneapolis

It is likely that the plight of people experiencing homelessness has been on your mind and heart in the last month. In our neighborhood we see the tents of individuals, many who have been put out of work as a result of the pandemic. Government and other agency resources are spread thin, city efforts to create more housing have been moving slow or in some cases stalled. Meanwhile, the temperatures are getting colder and colder making outdoor living dangerous. 

This month, OLP will be partnering with St. Stephen’s Human Services to help ensure those most vulnerable neighbors are not left out in the cold this winter. This organization was started by St. Stephen’s Catholic Church in Minneapolis with the mission to “end homelessness.” They have continued their vital work even as the pool of available resources continues to shrink for people who are experiencing homelessness. 

Between October 10 and October 26 you can help in the following ways:

• Make a financial donation: Envelopes will be available in church for your donation to St. Stephen’s or to olpmn.org/give, select “Church”, and then choose the fund for St. Stephen’s from the drop-down menu. Donations are urgently needed as St. Stephen’s seeks to expand their shelter and street outreach operations to meet emergency needs.
• Donate specific items: St. Stephen’s is currently only accepting the following critical items which students can drop in the bins in the gym (K-8) or inside of door 2W (ELP).
  • New or freshly laundered adult sleeping bags
  • Tarps
  • Rain ponchos/ jackets (L-4XL most needed)
  • Jackets (all sizes)
  • Warm winter gloves (all sizes)
  • Study winter boots (all sizes)
  • NEW long underwear (all sizes)
  • NEW wool socks
  • Hand warmers
  • NEW underwear (all sizes)
  • NEW white t-shirts (L-4XL most needed)
  • Travel-sized toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, soap, lotion, toothbrushes, toothpaste
  • Hand sanitizer (60%+ alcohol, travel size preferred)
  • Wet wipes (individual packs)
  • Lounge pants (L-4XL most needed)
  • Infrared and traditional thermometers
  • Cell phones
  • Homemade cloth masks that meet guidelines found here
• Consider volunteering: You can sign up to volunteer in the future by going to ststephensmpls.org