Catholic Charities advances with huge St. Paul project

The state bonding bill signed by Gov. Mark Dayton last week should provide enough support for Catholic Charities of Saint Paul and Minneapolis to complete its $100 million, two-building Dorothy Day Place, a two building housing and social service center that's replacing an antiquated facility in downtown St. Paul.
This "will allow us to continue our work to complete the Saint Paul Opportunity Center and Dorothy Day Residence," Catholic Charities CEO Tim Marx said recently. "Dorothy Day Place represents the best in our community and shows what can happen when Minnesotans from all sectors and political backgrounds come together around a shared goal. Together, we are achieving the true promise of this bold and transformational vision to prevent and end homelessness and to contribute to the vitality of the region."
The private portion of the multi-year campaign already has raised $40 million.
The financial capacity from the legislature last session includes $12 million in bonding proceeds for the Opportunity Center and up to $55 million in housing bonds through the Minnesota Housing authority to fund about 170 housing units in the Opportunity Center.
The Saint Paul Opportunity Center and Dorothy Day Residence will include a one-stop location connecting clients to health, training, employment and housing services with community partners, as well as 170 permanent housing units that should be complete by 2019.
The first phase, Higher Ground Saint Paul, opened in January and provides "dignified shelter and a pathway out of poverty for nearly 475 people at one time.
More information: www.dorothydaycampaign.org.