Sign this petition to support Listening House and their efforts to build a permanent location at 421 E. 7th Street.

The plantiffs working to stop the construction of a permanent home for Listening House do not understand the critical work being done by this organization. They are relying on stereotypes and fearmongering to make people believe unsheltered people are a nuisance and that Listening House is “just” a shelter. In stopping construction on this space just before the winter sets in, the city is losing a safe daytime place for people to stay warm and access services in our coldest months.   

Listening House is an organization that has been serving unsheltered people in St. Paul for almost 40 years. This incredible organization runs a space they call the “living room of the homeless.”

But Listening House is so much more than a living room.  

At its current location the basement of a church, Listening House sees about 45,000 visits annually. In 2021, they welcomed 2,687 unique visitors into their space. These guests are able to eat, access clothing, stock up on hygiene items, and use the wifi. It is a respite from frigid cold or oppressive heat. There are comfy chairs and a TV where people can rest and relax. 

But that’s where the similarities to a living room end because Listening House also provides a host of incredible supportive services. About 200 people use Listening House’s address for personal mail correspondence and document storage. Around 10 people a week can get a new state ID thanks to the help of Listening House staff. Listening House offers microloans to their guests, but never requires repayment. This allows guests to buy clothes for work, repair their car, get bus tickets, and much more. 

Many service organizations including Clinic 555, Minnesota Community Care, People Incorporated and RADIAS Health rely on the stability of Listening House as a place to meet with clients and provide them with mental, physical, and chemical healthcare. Listening House is a place where social services and case managers can connect with people to help them get housed and navigate bureaucracies.   

Sign our petition to show the city and judge that we support Listening House in building a permanent home to better serve our unsheltered neighbors.