Minneapolis City Council members are proposing a $1.5 million grant to save a downtown homeless shelter that houses more than 80 people from closure.
Council members Jason Chavez, Jamal Osman, and Council President Elliott Payne are proposing the rehabilitation grant after the Agate Housing and Services board of directors announced it would close its 42-bed shelter program and 95-bed and lodge program at 510 South 8th St.
The announcement was made on August 15, with the building scheduled to close on October 9. Agate cited increased financial pressure on nonprofits and the need for more than $3 million in repairs to operate the 100-year-old building safely. The closure will displace more than 80 residents and lay off 23 employees.
Even if the grant is approved, Agate Housing would still need at least $1.5 million in additional funds for the rehabilitation project by December 31, 2025. The budget committee will discuss the proposed rehabilitation project at its meeting on September 16 at 1:30 p.m.