Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud will have two staff members with offices at the new Pathways 4 Youth, an opportunity center opening in February to serve homeless youth between 16 and 23 years old.
“Catholic Charities has had a long history of providing services and support to the homeless and nearly homeless in our communities,” said Deacon Steve Pareja, executive director of Catholic Charities.
Deacon Pareja said a street outreach worker whose previous home base was in Catholic Charities’ Youth House and an independent living skills counselor from Catholic Charities’ SHY Program will move their offices to the center beginning in February.
Pathways 4 Youth is an initiative of the Rotary Clubs of the greater St. Cloud area.
Tim Wensman, president and board chair of the Pathways 4 Youth, said, “Our main goal is to help these young people navigate a path to grow and become contributing members in our communities. The center will be a safe place to help them get back on track, an entry point where they can access social services and medical professionals.”
He estimated there are more than 125 homeless youth ages 16 to 23 every night in St. Cloud.
In addition to the Catholic Charities staff, Wensman said “Pathways 4 Youth will have computers so youth can learn about employment possibilities, an address where they can receive mail, lockers, laundry facilities and showers, food, clothing and an evening meal.”
Pathways 4 Youth will be open from 2 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and is located in the Youth for Christ building, Suite 260, 203 Cooper Ave. N., St. Cloud. It will not offer overnight housing.
Pathways 4 Youth is modeled after and partnering with HOPE 4 Youth, a nonprofit providing pathways to end youth homelessness and is headquartered in the north metro suburbs of the Twin Cities.
“We are pleased to be partnering with HOPE 4 Youth in providing integrated services in the center to support homeless youth as we live out Christ’s call to serve the least of our brothers and sisters,” Deacon Pareja said.
The St. Cloud resource center will be operated in partnership with Stearns County Department of Human Services and other local social service agencies.