Timeline
1981
Dorothy Day Center opens
The Dorothy Day Center opens in downtown St. Paul serving coffee and rolls to an estimated 50 men daily, with no overnight shelter.
1999
Overnight shelter opens
The Dorothy Day Center is transformed into an overnight shelter to protect our neighbors experiencing homelessness during brutal winter nights.
2001
Year-round shelter
The community calls upon Catholic Charities to provide shelter to individuals year-round.
2005
Evening detox opens
An evening detox program is created, saving the city hundreds of thousands of dollars.
2007
Shelter for women opens
The only shelter for single women in Ramsey County is added. Catholic Charities re-designates a second-floor storage area, creating 42 beds for women.
2010
Emergency overflow opens
Emergency overflow shelter is added at the Catholic Charities office space next door to Dorothy Day to accommodate the increasing need.
2011
Surpasses capacity
For the first time ever, the number of people needing shelter at Dorothy Day Center surpasses capacity, and people are turned away. St. Paul Office Overflow opens in November, increasing capacity by 50 mats.
2013
More than 250 seek overnight shelter
Serving an average of 440 persons each day, the need for overnight shelter has risen to 250 per night, beyond the capacity of the current building. An innovative new vision for the Dorothy Day Center is announced, providing dignified shelter, permanent homes and pathways out of poverty.
2015
Capital Campaign announced; construction begins
A $40 million private campaign for Dorothy Day Place is announced with a lead $5 million challenge grant by the Richard M. Schultze Family Foundation. Construction begins.
2017
Capital Campaign reaches its $40 million goal
Higher Ground Saint Paul opens, construction begins on Phase II of Dorothy Day Place and the full $60 million in public funds required to finish Phase II of the project is secured.
2019
Phase II of the project is completed
Phase II of the project is completed, and the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation Saint Paul Opportunity Center and Dorothy Day Residence opens.