There has again been much in the news about Avivo, the new low-barrier shelter being built in Saint Cloud on the west end, and due to open in September, 2026.
The Homeless Helping Homeless members, board, and staff support their effort to open a branch here in Saint Cloud that will provide 56 additional beds for people trapped on the streets. We need these beds. Lincoln Center has only 23 rooms and can house 24 people. There are well over 100 to 150 low-barrier people stuck living outside. There is a definite need for these rooms,
and Avivo stated in their presentation that they do not intend to take any residents out of existing shelters, including ours. They have access to a larger pool of funding than we do, as they depend mostly on government programs. Those staying there should get excellent care. We need to continue a thriving center, Lincoln Center, and that will remain as important as ever
after Avivo is completed.
Although both of us serve a low-barrier population, we are not identical. Because of the numbers of people who need low-barrier shelter, people will still need our housing. At their Minneapolis location, 131 of Avivo’s clients left the program and returned to
the streets. Who will take care of those leaving the Avivo St. Cloud location if residents leave,when they leave?