The Housing First Minnesota Foundation is partnering with the nonprofit service provider, Hope House, and build partner, John Kraemer & Sons, to provide much-needed support for young individuals experiencing homelessness in the southwest metro suburbs. The project, an 8-bedroom shelter located in Chanhassen, will truly be a beacon of hope for youth, offering them not only a roof over their heads but the resources, guidance, and opportunities they need to rebuild their lives.
Since 2016, the Hope House organization has served:
- 710 teens overnight
- 2,691 teens supported via call/text for help
On average, Hope House turns away nearly twice as many youths as they serve. With this new build project, including individual bedrooms for every teen, it will give more youth access to the support they need.
For many of these young people, homelessness is not just a temporary setback but a life-altering crisis. Without the stability of a home, their futures can be profoundly affected. That’s where the creation of this 8-bedroom shelter comes into play. The new shelter will include:
- Purpose-built and trauma-informed design
- Three floors
- Eight bedrooms upstairs
- One accessible bedroom on main level if needed (which can be used as counseling or office space if needed)
- Secure intake on main floor
- Approximately 1800 sq. ft. foundation two story with finished lower level
- Office space (1 permanent, 1 flexible)
- Hook-up to city sewer, water, gas (all infrastructure will be in place for the build)
- Oval campus driveway, Hope Garden
Each of the 8 bedrooms will be a private space for youth to feel secure and at ease. Beyond just physical shelter, Hope House also provides access to counseling services, mentorship programs, educational support, and life skills training. This holistic approach ensures that each young person has the tools they need to navigate the challenges they face and chart a path forward toward self-sufficiency.
The shelter will have a lasting impact by offering young people a turning point to regain their dignity, reclaim their futures, and feel supported in their journey. Hope House provides not just shelter, but the tools, resources, and opportunities needed to break the cycle of homelessness and build a better life. Beyond being a physical space, this build project symbolizes hope and possibility, offering each young person a chance to heal, rebuild, and envision a future where they control their own destiny.
John Kraemer & Sons will begin work on this project on May 1 with a celebratory groundbreaking ceremony. The project is scheduled to complete and begin serving youth in Winter 2026.
