SSEH featured in both the Star Tribune and Pioneer Press for Washington County Shelter Launch
We’re incredibly honored to be featured in two major Minnesota news outlets this week—the Star Tribune and the Pioneer Press—for our role in launching the new Emergency Housing Services Building in Washington County.
This new facility represents more than just shelter—it’s a bold step forward in addressing suburban homelessness with compassion, dignity, and stability.
📰 Star Tribune: “New emergency shelter opens in Twin Cities suburb to help homeless residents”
Published: November 19, 2025
By: Eleanor Hildebrandt
The Star Tribune highlights the importance of this shelter as the first purpose-built adult shelter in Washington County, with 30 individual rooms, shared gathering spaces, and accessible design features.
The article spotlights Stepping Stone’s role as the on-site service provider, as well as a powerful quote from our Executive Director, Steve Griffiths:
“This is a building for the community, and it’s helping some of the most disadvantaged people in our community to hit the reset button.”
This piece also lifts up the need for suburban responses to homelessness, with over 13% of Minnesotans experiencing homelessness coming from suburban areas.
👉 Download the full Star Tribune article (PDF)
📰 Pioneer Press: “New $12M shelter for homeless — and their pets — set to open in Washington County”
Published: November 19, 2025
By: Mary Divine
The Pioneer Press offers an in-depth look at the facility’s design, daily operations, and trauma-informed approach—including ADA-accessible rooms, a pet-friendly policy, and a layout designed for healing and privacy.
Commissioner Bethany Cox described the building as:
“A symbol of bringing humanity back to community.”
The article also shares that SSEH will staff the shelter 24/7, offering support with goal setting, housing searches, job readiness, and more.
👉 Download the full Pioneer Press article (PDF)
🙏 A Shared Vision for Dignity and Stability
Together with Washington County and our community partners, we are creating a model for suburban shelter that works—with privacy, stability, and trust at its foundation.
We want to extend heartfelt thanks to:
-
Our staff and leadership who are preparing to welcome residents into the space
-
Our donors and monthly Pillars of Hope who make our work possible
-
The Washington County team, including Amy Blair, for the incredible collaboration
Stay tuned—we can’t wait to share the impact this building will have on lives in the months and years ahead.