A new youth shelter opened in Southeast Minnesota on November 13, 2023, offering a safe haven for up to 12 teenagers facing homelessness or other crises. Located south of Rochester, the facility represents a significant investment of $10 million and replaces the former VonWald Youth Shelter, which had served the community since the 1980s.
During the opening ceremony, attendees toured the modern building, which features 12 individual bedrooms, a spacious dining area, a fitness room, and various common areas for recreational activities. Dan Pfarr, president and CEO of 180 Degrees, the organization operating the shelter, emphasized that the new facility is designed to create a sense of safety and healing for its residents.
“The building is just the vessel,” Pfarr stated. “It’s the place where kids go, where our staff work, and it’s a place for healing.”
Previously, the old VonWald Youth Shelter had only eight bedrooms, forcing some teenagers to share rooms, leading to anxiety and discomfort. Program manager Christina Tollefson recounted experiences where newly admitted teens were startled to find unfamiliar individuals in their shared space. The new shelter alleviates such concerns, allowing for greater privacy and comfort.
The new facility spans 12,000 square feet and is built on the same 7-acre property as its predecessor. With the potential to expand to 16 bedrooms in the future, the shelter aims to accommodate a wider range of youth in need. “They have the opportunity to spread out,” Tollefson explained. “They can go in game rooms, they can go in art rooms, or if they just feel like they need a different space.”
The focus is on creating an environment that fosters resilience among the 12- to 19-year-old residents. Pfarr highlighted the importance of understanding that youth in crisis require support and safety, rather than punitive measures. “What we know about the youth who come here is that it’s a place where kids can feel safe,” he said.
In attendance at the ribbon-cutting ceremony was Carla Nelson, a state senator from Rochester. She expressed her excitement about the new shelter, emphasizing its role in promoting resilience among local youth. “I am particularly pleased to think about the youth who have this beautiful facility now filled with light and love and joy and opportunity,” Nelson remarked.
Rochester Mayor Kim Norton also spoke during the ceremony, reflecting on the vision of the late Chuck VonWald, former Olmsted County sheriff, who established the original shelter. “The sheriff’s vision was having that safe, secure place where children feel supported and loved,” Norton noted. “That’s what it’s all about.”
Funding for the new shelter came from various sources, including Olmsted County, the city of Eyota, and Stearns Bank. In the past year alone, the shelter served youth from across Southeast Minnesota, highlighting its critical role in the community. The opening of this state-of-the-art facility marks a significant step forward in providing essential services to vulnerable young people.
