Sojourner Project

Shelter provides emergency housing and support for up to 24 women and children every night unsafe in their homes. A 24/7 Crisis/Help line is located in the shelter and staffed by trained volunteers and advocates. In 2023, over 2,800 calls were answered providing information, referrals and safety planning to callers. Guidelines from the MN Department of Health stated we could open shelter space up without restrictions in 2023 but due to staff and clients contracting COVID, we did not fully open up space until March of 2023. In 2023, the emergency shelter served 108 women and 143 children. All services are directed towards supporting the choice of residents to live with greater safety and stability. Residents are provided with all basic needs and receive a variety of support services including life skills and therapeutic groups, referrals for safe housing, medical care, food stability and employment. (Continued on Schedule O).

Community Legal Advocacy Department provides advocacy, assistance and support to those who reside in S.W. Hennepin County. Sojourner partners with 9 police departments and serves 17 cities. Participants in this program often do not request or require shelter. Advocates provide safety planning; information about court processes and victim rights; assist participants in the preparation of protection orders; and facilitate support groups. As requested, clients can also receive trauma informed therapy. Over 480 therapeutic sessions were provided in 2023. Sojourner advocates also work with victims of harassment, stalking, elder abuse and sexual assault. They provide accompaniment and support in criminal, family and various civil court matters. In 2023, community-based legal advocacy services provided support to 673 unduplicated adults, impacting the safety of 324 children. Over 4,500 hours of direct advocacy was provided to clients.

Community Involvement promotes active participation of community members in the mission of Sojourner and falls under the Outreach, Education and Training Department. Individual and group volunteers help provide more in-depth services to all clients. Volunteers provide child care, answer the crisis line and support the Intervention Program on weekends. Groups help keep spaces organized and clean. In 2023, over 4,000 hours of volunteer time was logged.