The newly constructed Southeast Minnesota Youth Shelter officially opened on November 13, 2023, providing a vital resource for at-risk youth in the region. Located south of Rochester, the shelter can accommodate up to 12 teenagers at a time, offering them a safe haven during times of homelessness or personal crises.
Dan Pfarr, president and CEO of 180 Degrees, which operates the shelter, emphasized the facility’s role in fostering healing. “The building is just the vessel,” he stated during the opening event. “It’s the place where kids go, where our staff work, and it’s a place for healing.”
The new shelter replaces the former VonWald Youth Shelter, which had served the community since the 1980s. The previous facility, with only eight bedrooms, often required teens to share rooms, leading to discomfort and anxiety. “All of a sudden, they wake up to a different youth in their room,” recalled program manager Christina Tollefson, highlighting the challenges faced by residents.
This new facility, a decade in the making and costing $10 million, features 12 individual bedrooms, with plans for future expansion to 16. In addition to private living spaces, the shelter includes a spacious dining area and kitchen, a fitness room, and multiple common areas designed for relaxation and social interaction. “They can go in game rooms, they can go in art rooms, or if they just feel like they need a different space,” Tollefson explained.
Creating a sense of safety and security for residents aged 12 to 19 was a primary focus during the design process. Pfarr noted that many youth arrive at the shelter dealing with significant issues, including unstable housing and mental health crises. “What people think kids need is oftentimes based around punishment,” he said. “What we know about the youth who come here is that it’s a place where kids can feel safe.”
State Senator Carla Nelson, representing the Rochester area, praised the facility for promoting resilience among young people. “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 remarked during the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Rochester’s Mayor Kim Norton also spoke at the event, reflecting on the vision of the late Chuck VonWald, the former Olmsted County sheriff who initially established the shelter. “The sheriff’s vision was having that safe, secure place where children feel supported and loved,” Norton said. “That’s what it’s all about.”
The project received funding from various sources, including Olmsted County, the city of Eyota, and Stearns Bank. Pfarr noted that last year, the shelter served youth from across Southeast Minnesota, emphasizing the ongoing need for such facilities in the community.
With its modern amenities and focus on providing a nurturing environment, the Southeast Minnesota Youth Shelter aims to support young people as they navigate the challenges of their lives, helping them work towards goals such as completing high school, pursuing higher education, and improving family relationships.