Exodus Residence

…offering safe, livable, low-cost housing to low-income and homeless men and women in the inner city of Minneapolis

EXODUS RESIDENCE CHRISTMAS GIFT COLLECTION

During Advent, St. Olaf invites you to share your hope and gifts of toiletries and winter accessories for our neighbors at Exodus Residence. These individuals are in temporary, low cost or free housing managed by Catholic Charities because they have experienced unemployment, homelessness, or a mental or physical health crisis. These items will be collected at the parish office and after Masses the weekends of November 28-29, December 5-6, and December 12-13.

Volunteers are also needed for the following activities:
Collect donations before and after the weekend Masses: November 28-29, December 5-6, and December 12-13
Sort donations: Wednesday, December 16 from 9:00 am – 12:00 noon
Package gift bags for the Exodus residents: Thursday, December 17

If you would like to help with the gift collection and packaging or for more information, contact Joan Miltenberger at 612-767-6211 or e-mail:  jmiltenberger@SaintOlaf.org.

Mission
The Exodus Residence provides safe, low-cost housing to 78 men and 15 women in downtown Minneapolis, most of whom have previously been homeless. Here residents develop skills and work to overcome the barriers that prevent them from obtaining permanent housing.

History
The Exodus Residence was established as a partnership between Catholic Charities and St. Olaf Catholic Church in 1993. The church owns the 8-story building located at 819 2nd Ave. South, Minneapolis, and remains involved with residents through volunteer programs. Catholic Charities manages the Exodus Residence and coordinates supportive services for the residents. There are in-house programs designed for residents to grow personally and to form new and constructive life habits.

Providing a Leg-up
The Exodus Residence helps guests get ahead in life. All residents are working toward permanent housing, and the Hotel provides a transition by helping residents establish rental history and find affordable rental housing. Residents pay about $62 every week to stay at the Hotel. Through assistance from St. Olaf and its parishioners, guests also receive tutoring, gain valuable computer skills and enjoy a monthly home-cooked meal.

More Than a Shelter
The Exodus Residence provides more than a temporary housing solution. Services and activities available to residents include:
— 93 single-occupancy rooms
— on-site case management services
— referrals to community resources
— classes and support groups
— computer lab (coordinated by St. Olaf parish volunteers)
— laundry facilities
— lounge areas with TV, library and reading area
— monthly meals and holiday parties (provided by St. Olaf volunteers and other community groups)

Get Involved
St. Olaf parishioners extend their hospitality and service to Exodus residents in many ways:

~ Through invitations to participate in worship services, parish activities, social outreach programs, concerts, and the use of beautiful Assisi Park on the corner of 2nd Avenue and 9th Street

~ Volunteers serve dinners the third Sunday of the month

~ Volunteers provide a Christmas party and gift bags for each Exodus resident

~ Monthly birthday gift bags are put together and presented to residents

~ Clothing, household goods, toiletries and food are donated to residents in transition

~ Limited financial assistance may be provided for school and rent at Exodus, or for new apartment when leaving

~ Volunteers assist with computer training in the Exodus computer lab

To volunteer for any of these activities, or to make a donation, contact Joan Miltenberger, St. Olaf Director of Social Outreach, at 612-332-7471, ext. 247 or e-mail jmiltenberger@SaintOlaf.org.