Washington County unveils $12M emergency shelter

Nov 19 Breaking Twin Cities 1 source

Washington County held a Nov. 19 ribbon cutting for its first county-run homeless shelter on the Stillwater Government Center campus, a $12 million, 30-room Emergency Housing Services Building set to open in the second week of December. The 24/7 facility offers private rooms with bathrooms (including two fully accessible rooms), on-site supports (social services, transportation, legal help, computer lab), and is designed for average 90-day stays while staff connect adults to permanent housing and jobs.

Housing Local Government

📌 Key Facts

$12M Emergency Housing Services Building on 1.5 acres at the Washington County Government Center campus in Stillwater
30 private rooms with private baths; two fully accessible ADA rooms; secure key-card access
Opens second week of December; staffed 24/7 with social-service, transportation, legal and workforce supports; average stay about 90 days
County estimates ~166 people experience homelessness nightly; historically up to 54 sought shelter outside the county each year

📰 Sources (1)

New $12M shelter for homeless — and their pets — set to open in Washington County

Twin Cities by Mary Divine November 19, 2025