Salvation Army to manage Bethesda Shelter site in St. Paul

Thursday, Ramsey County announced The Salvation Army will take over managing the Bethesda Shelter site in St. Paul.

According to the county, the $3.1 million contract runs from May 2021 through April 2022. Staffing will transition from the county to The Salvation Army, whose trauma-informed staff will then lead the day-to-day operations and management of the shelter.

"The Bethesda site is an invaluable resource that has provided safe emergency shelter, care and services for hundreds who have experienced homelessness in our community," Ramsey County Board Chairperson Toni Carter said. "We are thankful for the opportunity to now partner with The Salvation Army to continue connecting our community members with secure shelter and services. We’re looking forward to this partnership as an integral part of our efforts to provide immediate care and effective, lasting solutions to the housing crisis."

The shelter for single adults experiencing homelessness will run through the existing referral process for other east metro shelters. Accepted guests will have access to the facility and on-site programming, and services will be provided by staff members trained in trauma-informed care, person-centered thinking and motivational interviewing skills. Staff is also trained in crisis intervention, de-escalation techniques, first aid and CPR.