Emergency Shelter

CHUM provides Emergency Shelter services at two locations in downtown Duluth.  The Congregate Shelter provides dormitory-style shelter for single people while the Family Shelter offers one homeless family a 24-hour apartment.  Shelter stays are approximately 30 days in length with clients required to meet daily with a Housing Stabilization Advocate to work toward a resolution to their housing issues.  Residents are also required to be sober and non-violent.

While families are always welcome to stay in our Congregate Shelter, families staying at the Family Shelter MUST be Minnesota Residents.

Transitional Housing

In cooperation with CHUM member congregation First Lutheran Church, CHUM provides Housing Advocacy support to a four apartment Transitional Housing Facility.  Thus program provides participant families with up to two years of housing assistance, during which time the family can work to stabilize their lives find permanent shelter.  Residents are required to meet weekly with an assigned Housing Advocate. 

Permanent Supportive Housing

The benevolent support of the Benedictine Sisters of St. Scholastica Monastery allowed CHUM to open the RUAH Permanent Supportive Housing facility in the fall of 2007.  RUAH (Rehabilitating Urban Affordable Housing) was designed to create affordable housing in Duluth's Central Hillside through the renovation of existing building stock. As Permanent Supportive Housing, RUAH provides apartment living for families who need long-term support in order to stay off the streets. Residents are responsible for paying their own rent and meeting weekly with a CHUM Housing Advocate for support. RUAH residents are expected to work through the issues that caused them to become homeless. RUAH residents can stay on as long as they choose.

Housing Advocacy

CHUM advocates work diligently with each CHUM client. Advocates assist clients in saving money for apartment down payments, working through mental health issues, finding child care and parenting assistance, as well as providing day-to-day emotional support. Advocates also provide referrals to other community programs so that clients can find their place in society.