50 years after first domestic violence shelter in nation opened doors in St. Paul, they’re eyeing more expansion

A domestic violence shelter that was the first in the U.S. is marking 50 years in St. Paul, and looking to continue to grow.

Women’s Advocates started as a divorce-rights assistance line, but women who were calling were in situations of severe domestic abuse, said Holly Henning, who is now the nonprofit’s executive director.

Three women created the shelter, which opened its doors on Oct. 11, 1974. They’ve been in the same location in St. Paul’s Summit Hill area since.

Women’s Advocates has been able to expand to adjacent buildings and serves up to 50 victim-survivors and their children daily. In the 2022-23 fiscal year, the nonprofit worked with 163 adults and 195 children through its emergency shelter housing stability programs.

Now, Women’s Advocates has launched a $14.25 million capital campaign, running through 2027, with the aim of doubling its shelter beds and expanding services. They recently received a $2 million individual donation.

Two buildings in the Merriam Park area will be renovated into 19 individual units, totaling 58 beds for adults and children. It will be pet-friendly and compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. In the old buildings, it’s more difficult to serve people with severe physical disabilities, Henning said.

The additional buildings are expected to open between fall 2026 and summer 2027. The old buildings will continue to operate.

Over the years, Women’s Advocates has seen victims-survivors who have greater needs for mental health and chemical health support, according to Henning. Women’s Advocates has responded by increasing the number of mental health support staff and recently hired a licensed alcohol and drug counselor to provide on-site services.

They’re also helping more people who have “experienced extreme cases of violence” including choking or use of weapons, Henning said.

Violence Free Minnesota, which studies domestic violence-related homicides, says risk factors for homicide include a history of choking and an abuser’s access to firearms. There were 40 people killed in domestic violence situations last year in Minnesota, the most in more than 30 years of Violence Free Minnesota’s record-keeping.

Gala, donations, help

Women’s Advocates is hosting a fundraiser and gala on Thursday at the Landmark Center in downtown St. Paul. Limited tickets remained as of Tuesday. Information is available at wadvocates.org/50thanniversary.

Donations to Women’s Advocates capital campaign can be made at wadvocates.org/capitalcampaign.

People who are experiencing domestic violence in Minnesota can call the Day One crisis hotline at 866-223-1111 or text it at 612-399-9995. Women’s Advocates has a 24/7 crisis line at 651-227-8284.