Cornerstone was founded in 1983 by a group of dedicated volunteers who recognized the need for domestic violence services in the Hennepin County suburbs. This was a time before significant public funding for domestic violence services and a time when this issue was rarely even discussed. Since these forward-thinking and caring volunteers started Cornerstone, we have expanded in size, scope and geographic footprint.
Our 40th anniversary is a chance to honor those who made this growth possible: volunteers, donors, board members, staff and the community. It is also an opportunity to reflect back on the strength and accomplishments of our agency and those we serve. This month, we highlight Cornerstone’s Emergency Services Program.
Cornerstone’s Emergency Services Program
Cornerstone’s Emergency Services Program is a safe place for adults and their children escaping a dangerous or escalating situation at home. Anyone in imminent danger of domestic/sexual violence and human trafficking can access Cornerstone’s Emergency Services Program. It includes a 35-bed Emergency Shelter, 24 hours/7 days a week hotline, crisis intervention and advocate support, a Hotel/Motel Partnership, and assistance with all basic needs.
In just 2022 alone, Cornerstone’s Emergency Services Program provided 75 adults and children 3,679 nights of safe housing and 17,688 meals. And while in our emergency shelter, we take pride in the high-quality and revamped spaces we provide that allow participants to feel safe and comfortable. This has been an on-going effort for multiple years, made possible through Cornerstone supporters.
For the past two years, Cornerstone has been working to update and refresh our Emergency Shelter. We have been fortunate to have support from many great community partners to purchase new furniture and décor for our common areas and our individual units. The last piece of this project was to replace the beds in each unit and we are very grateful for the recent support from the Bloomington Rotary Club Foundation, the Edina Rotary Club Foundation, the Richfield Foundation and other wonderful supporters. Thank you to all who have made our shelter upgrade possible!
Please call Cornerstone’s 24/7 Emergency Services helpline, (952) 884-0330, or the Minnesota Day One Crisis Hotline at (866) 223-1111 if you or someone you know is seeking shelter.
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