Finding the answers we need for the tough questions
As the saying goes, “There are years that ask questions and years that answer.” 2024 was a mixture of tough questions and the solutions we’re creating together. Let’s begin with the story of Safe Space.
In the early part of 2024, our staff and partners were tasked with finding a new home for our 64-bed overnight shelter. Moving from the downtown Saint Paul location, where we’d been serving guests since 2019, proved challenging. But through persistence and creativity, we found an answer together. Safe Space has relocated and reopened with 25 shelter beds and with a new partner, Central Baptist Church.
On December 11, 2024, the Saint Paul City Council approved an interim use permit allowing Model Cities to expand shelter capacity at Safe Space to 64 beds.
Supporting those on a longer road to victory
We’ve prioritized providing support for those in our community whose voices are heard the least. For these community members, the road to personal victory is longer. A road we walk diligently with them.
To support all our neighbors on their pathway to progress, consider a one-time or monthly sustaining gift of any size.
At Model Cities we’re reaching people at many intersections of their journey. In 2024, with your support, we:
- Provided homeownership education, 1:1 advising, and financial coaching services to 729 individuals (70% BIPOC), reducing homeownership gaps and creating better pathways toward wealth creation and financial stability.
- Completed a $670,000 renovation of our supportive housing building at 833 University that was significantly impacted by water infiltration. This project preserved six permanent supportive residential units for low-income families.
- Increased cross-sector collaborations by working in partnership with 9 community-based organizations to expand our reach and deepen our service impact across the housing continuum.
- Celebrated the transformational journeys of families living in supportive housing by hosting several events, including Family Fun Day BBQs, a Mother’s Day in Bloom Volunteer Day, and a Holiday Giving Party.
- And, just last month for Give to the Max, you helped us raise nearly $10,000 towards our $173K renovation costs for the new Safe Space location. Renovations that allow us to operate at partial capacity while we work to get back to full capacity. We’re feeling energized about the future of Safe Space and all of this year’s impact!
Make an impact: Support our work today and in 2025!
We’ll continue to create space for those on the longer road to success in 2025—it’s what we do, and we do it well. Will you make a year-end gift or early 2025 gift to help us build momentum for the coming year?
We’ll continue to create space for those on the longer road to success in 2025—it’s what we do, and we do it well. Will you make a year-end gift or early 2025 gift to help us build momentum for the coming year?
Secure giving is available online, and gifts can be sent by mail. Gifts made by December 31st count as charitable deductions for the current tax year. Make your year-end gift today—or help us kick off 2025 with a one-time or monthly gift to Model Cities in early January!
