Episcopal Diocese partners with developer on homeless youth housing
12/4/2003 4:40 PMChurches asked to designate a Sunday during Advent as St. Barnabas Sunday
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - December 5, 2003 - The Episcopal Diocese of Minnesota is asking every parish in the Diocese to designate a Sunday during Advent to support permanent housing for homeless youth. Donations will help to renovate the vacant St. Barnabas Hospital building in downtown Minneapolis.
The Diocese is collaborating on the project with Central Community Housing Trust (CCHT), a nonprofit affordable housing developer based in Minneapolis. The renovation will create 39 efficiency apartments for homeless youth, ages 16 to 20, and 13 for low-income, working adults.
The Diocese has committed $400,000 in capital funding to CCHT for the $7.2 million project. So far, the diocese has raised $100,000 though a fundraising breakfast, foundation grants, and individual gifts.
In an appeal letter to parishes, Bishop James Jelinik said that St. Barnabas Sunday is an opportunity for every parish in the Diocese to participate in addressing a critical community need. "During this season of hope and preparation, it is especially timely to remember those in need. Our gifts will help to ensure that, by the season of Advent next year, 39 homeless youth and young adults will have a place to call home."
The project holds special meaning for Episcopalians, said Bishop Jelinik, because St. Barnabas Hospital was founded by the Episcopal Church in 1871. "The rebirth of this facility as affordable housing carries on an Episcopal commitment to address the needs of the community that now spans three centuries," he said.
Gina Ciganik, senior project manager at CCHT, says the organization is especially glad to have a faith community as a partner in the project. "Ensuring affordable, safe housing for everyone isn't just about government, but about all of our society's institutions working together. The Episcopal Diocese has helped spread the word about youth who cannot return home and need a safe, stable place to live."
This project isn't the first commitment the Episcopal Church has made to address the needs of homeless persons. St. Mark's Cathedral in Minneapolis has been providing weekly drop-in dinners for homeless youth for the past 15 years. This winter, St. Mark's also plans to provide overflow shelter to homeless adults in its rectory.
Collaborating with the Episcopal Diocese and CCHT on St. Barnabas Apartments are Allina Hospitals and Clinics, which donated the building, and YouthLink, which will provide social services to youth residents. Construction is expected to begin in early 2004 and last for 12 months.
Central Community Housing Trust (CCHT) is an award-winning nonprofit developer of quality housing for the Twin Cities Metro Area, providing homes for more than 2,000 people annually. Since 1987, CCHT has built and renovated 23 properties, totaling 1,200 units of housing. Its mission is to create and sustain quality affordable housing that strengthens lives and communities.
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For more information, contact Nancy Doyle at 612-341-3148, ext. 206.
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