This project began a simple but powerful question: what could a shelter be? 

Rooted in the belief that spaces serving homeless youth must do more than provide beds, the vision centered on creating an environment that is safe, secure, inclusive, and genuinely welcoming for youth, staff, and volunteers. That vision was realized through the dedication of local leaders, designers, builders, and donors united by a shared commitment to a brighter future for young people.

Serving approximately 100 youth each year between the ages of 12 and 17, the shelter remains the only 24-hour accessible youth shelter for minors in Southeast Minnesota. It is a place that encourages young people to pursue their passions and begin rebuilding their lives, representing a fundamentally new approach to serving youth in crisis—one designed to generate lasting positive outcomes for youth, their families, and the broader community.

The building was thoughtfully designed to create warm, light-filled spaces that foster calm, dignity, and a sense of belonging. Drawing from familiar rural forms, human-scaled proportions, and honest materials, the shelter feels welcoming rather than institutional.

Intentional connections to the surrounding landscape support well-being for youth, staff, and volunteers.

Every detail reflects a trauma-informed approach, prioritizing safety without severity, calm without isolation, and spaces that allow young people to rest, reflect, and regain confidence during critical moments of transition.

Sustainability is integral to the project’s mission. A geothermal system, solar array, and high-performing building envelope represent an investment in both people and place. By reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering long-term operating costs, the building supports a more resilient and equitable future—one where resources can be focused on care, stability, and community well-being. These systems are not merely technical solutions; they are an expression of shared values, reinforcing the shelter’s role as a responsible steward today and a lasting asset for generations to come.