GRACE HOUSE OF ITASCA COUNTY

Description

Grace House is Itasca County’s only homeless shelter. More than 200 individual, families and children who are homeless or transient are served by Grace House each year.

Grace House can house up to 10 individuals per day, 365 days per year. Grace House guests can stay at the shelter for up to 30 days, if needed, to focus on developing job and independent living skills.

Prior to 2006, there had been no homeless shelter in Itasca County, and many individuals and families experiencing homelessness were at extreme risk. Other organizations and agencies in the community assisted with overnight stays in motels and small cash assistance. However, until the establishment of Grace House, there were no consistent services available to those in need of emergency shelter.

Guests meet with Grace House’s trained staff and other professionals on a daily basis. Together, Grace House staff and agency representatives provide guests with referrals to appropriate resources (including mental health and chemical dependency services), assistance in filling out forms; and motivation to realize goals set forth in their individualized plans.