Resources & Support: domestic violence housing resources in Minnesota Day One and emergency shelter o

Here is the fully formatted blog post:

—

Safe and Supported: Minnesota Day One & Emergency Housing for Domestic Violence Survivors

If you or someone you love is experiencing domestic violence, please know this: you are not alone, and help is available right now. Whether you need a safe place to stay tonight or are looking for longer-term housing support, Minnesota has a network of dedicated organizations ready to walk alongside you — at no cost and with complete confidentiality.

This guide explains how to reach Day One — Minnesota’s statewide crisis line — and highlights emergency shelter and transitional housing options available across the state in 2024–2025. Finding safety is the first step, and these resources are here to help you take it.

Why Housing Is So Critical for Survivors

Domestic violence is a leading cause of homelessness for women and children. The Domestic Violence Housing First approach focuses on getting survivors into stable housing as quickly as possible, then providing the support they need to rebuild their lives.

Survivors often face severe financial and housing challenges as a result of coercive control, financial manipulation, or physical injuries. These challenges can lead to job loss, poor credit, and eviction, making the search for stable housing even more daunting. Even after escaping an abusive situation, survivors are frequently left finding housing with limited financial resources, potential legal issues, and damaged credit.

Startling recent data shows domestic violence homicides in Minnesota increased nearly 30% between 2024 and 2025, from 24 deaths to 31. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. For crisis support, read on.

Your First Call: Minnesota Day One Crisis Line

Minnesota Day One® provides help and resources for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking, or those concerned about their relationships anywhere in Minnesota, and Fargo, ND. It is a program of the nonprofit Cornerstone.

For free and confidential help, call the Minnesota Day One Crisis Line at 1-866-223-1111 to speak with an advocate (interpreters are available), text 612-399-9995, or chat online at dayoneservices.org. A Day One advocate is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The Day One Network includes domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking programs throughout Minnesota, and calls are routed to the program nearest the caller’s location. Staff connect survivors with programs that meet their needs based on their primary language, culture, geographic location, and other categories of service.

Here’s what to expect when you call:

A supportive advocate who will listen, understand, and help you sort out your options — providing support, information, referrals, and more.
Your choice about law enforcement. Calling the crisis hotline is not the same as calling the police. No one will call the police without your permission unless they believe you are in immediate physical danger and cannot make the call yourself.
Culturally specific services. Day One supports people of all backgrounds, lived experiences, cultural and linguistic identities. Some partner agencies offer co-advocacy with culturally specific advocates to support you within your cultural and ethnic identity.

You can also find Supportive Services near you through the Hues Hope resource hub.

Emergency Shelter Options Across Minnesota

Once you connect with Day One, advocates can help place you in emergency shelter. Here are some key organizations serving the Twin Cities metro and greater Minnesota:

Cornerstone (Bloomington/Metro)

Cornerstone is a safe place for you and your kids when escaping a dangerous situation due to domestic violence, sexual violence, or human trafficking. Their emergency shelter welcomes women, female-identified and gender-nonconforming adults, with children also welcome during their stay. Male-identified adults receive safe and comfortable alternative housing while accessing Cornerstone’s comprehensive services. All services, including safe housing, are available whether you identify as LGBTQI+ or gender nonconforming.

From the first call for help and throughout your shelter stay, advocates will assist with your individual needs and help you navigate complex legal and social service systems. You will receive all basic necessities, including meals, toiletries, clothing, school supplies, and transportation.

📞 Cornerstone: 952-884-0330 | 952-884-0376

Women’s Advocates (St. Paul)

In 2024, Women’s Advocates honored its 50th anniversary as the first shelter in the nation for victim-survivors of domestic violence. Women’s Advocates operates a 24/7 crisis line and offers emergency shelter for up to 50 individuals and their children. Upon arrival, guests receive comprehensive support to address immediate crises, health concerns, legal issues, and economic challenges.

Their services extend beyond shelter: the organization recently launched a $14.25 million capital campaign aimed at doubling its shelter beds and expanding its offerings to meet the growing demand for safe housing. Housing Stability Services also provide former residents with a housing stability advocate to help them navigate legal and housing challenges for up to a year after leaving the shelter — vital for ensuring long-term independence and safety.

📞 Women’s Advocates: 651-227-8284

Alexandra House (Anoka/Metro Area)

Alexandra House offers free domestic, sexual, and relationship violence services for women, men, youth, and families, serving the seven-county metro area — particularly Anoka, Hennepin, and Ramsey counties. Services include 24-hour emergency shelter, legal advocacy, support groups, housing and supportive services, youth intervention and prevention services, elder abuse services, community education, and professional training.

📞 Alexandra House: 763-780-2330

CADA (Mankato / Southern Minnesota)

CADA provides emergency safety shelter to female-identifying survivors and their children experiencing domestic violence, sexual violence, or sex trafficking. Staying in shelter is free, and CADA provides home-cooked meals, hygiene items, and other basic necessities. Their shelter is located in Mankato and can house about 22 people at a time, with an average stay of two to three months.