PRESS RELEASE
State's Largest Homeless Shelter Gets Makeover
Roseville, Minn. – November 29, 2011 – An open house will be held Dec. 1 from 2-3:30 p.m. at The Salvation Army Harbor Light Shelter in Minneapolis (1010 Currie Ave. N.), where new renovations have added dignity and extra services to the state's largest homeless shelter.
Harbor Light's 'SafeBay' men's shelter used to be a cramped space jam-packed with floor mats. After months of remodeling, the space is filled with 65 comfy bunk beds and appears as open as a gymnasium. It also features an enclosed lounge area that will allow The Salvation Army and reps from other agencies to meet with the men and learn about their specific needs.
"The old SafeBay was an efficient model, but it didn't offer much dignity," said Steve Horsfield, Harbor Light's chief operating officer. "With the new bunk beds and open space, morale is skyrocketing, conflicts are diminishing and the men are getting better sleep."
The remodeling project began earlier this year, when local professionals and students from the American Institute of Architects voluntarily created a plan to revamp SafeBay. More people and companies signed on pro-bono, including the Kraus-Anderson construction company, architect Tim Bicknell of AECOM and architect Tim O'Brien of Tim O'Brien & Associates. Significant financial support came from local real estate magnate Dave Frauenshuh.
Harbor Light shelters up to 450 people per night - 130 in SafeBay and 320 in other areas of the six-story facility.
The Twin Cities Salvation Army serves more than 288,000 people a year through its 25 local centers of operation. Daily it serves 2,500 hot meals and shelters 970 people. More than 33,000 local volunteers help The Salvation Army provide these and other services, from child daycare to senior housing. To volunteer with The Salvation Army or to make a donation, please call 651-746-3400 or toll free at 800-SAL-ARMY. Checks made out to The Salvation Army may be sent to 2445 Prior Ave. N, Roseville, MN 55113. Click below to make an online donation.
