Why An
Expansion?
Chum currently serves over 125 guests nightly in a building built for 30 beds. Federal and state funding secured in 2023 and 2024 requires expansion on the current shelter site. After renovations, the existing facility will provide 168 beds and more room for continued support in a time where the need for housing, support, and welcoming spaces is greater than ever.
Chum currently serves over 125 guests nightly in a building built for 30 beds. Federal and state funding secured in 2023 and 2024 requires expansion on the current shelter site. After renovations, the existing facility will provide 168 beds and more room for continued support in a time where the need for housing, support, and welcoming spaces is greater than ever.
Expansion Update
July/August 2026
Thanks to the continued collaboration of our project team and the support of our neighbors and community
partners, construction is advancing steadily, and several exciting milestones have been reached over the
past few weeks.
Construction continues to progress well, with excellent coordination among Chum, Architecture
Advantage, Johnson Wilson Constructors, and the many subcontractors working on-site. This teamwork
has allowed construction to advance efficiently while maintaining the project's overall schedule.
One of the most exciting milestones is now underway as the new structure has begun to rise above
grade. For the first time, members of the community can truly begin to see the vision for the future
Chum shelter taking shape. What has long existed as drawings and renderings is now becoming a visible
landmark—one that will provide expanded services, greater accessibility, and a welcoming environment
designed to better serve individuals and families experiencing homelessness throughout our
community. As structural steel, walls, and architectural elements continue to be installed, the scale and
purpose of the new facility are becoming increasingly evident.
Throughout construction, the project team has also continued to identify opportunities to thoughtfully
refine and enhance the facility wherever practical. Working collaboratively, Chum, the architects, and
the construction team have incorporated improvements that will strengthen the building's long-term
functionality while ensuring it is even better suited to meet the evolving needs of our community for
years to come.
With strong collaboration among all project partners and continued construction momentum, the
project remains on a positive trajectory, and we look forward to sharing additional milestones as work
continues throughout the remainder of the construction season.
While construction activity has increased, Chumremains committed to minimizing impacts on our
neighbors. Below are several important updates and reminders regarding ongoing neighborhood
coordination efforts.
Looking Ahead
As construction continues and the new facility becomes increasingly visible, project activities will remain
active throughout the site and surrounding downtown area. We sincerely appreciate the continued
patience, cooperation, and support of our neighbors, local businesses, and community partners as we
work alongside Architecture Advantage, Johnson Wilson Constructors, and the many skilled trades
bringing this important project to life.
Every week brings meaningful progress as additional structural elements are installed and the facility
continues to take shape. The community can now begin to see a building that has been thoughtfully
designed and refined to better serve the evolving needs of individuals and families experiencing
homelessness. We look forward to sharing future milestones as construction advances in the months
ahead.
Continued Neighborhood Coordination Efforts
In response to feedback received from nearby residents and businesses, the project team continues to
implement measures intended to minimize construction impacts while maintaining a safe and efficient
work site.
Parking Considerations
Construction personnel have been directed to avoid utilizing metered parking spaces along 1st
Avenue West between the alley and 1st Street on both sides of the avenue whenever possible.
While this expectation has been communicated to all contractors, suppliers and occasional
visitors may not be aware of these guidelines. As always, vehicles parked in these locations
remain subject to City of Duluth parking regulations and enforcement.
Temporary Closures for Safety
Through coordination with the City of Duluth, temporary sidewalk and parking lane closures
remain in place to protect both the public and construction personnel while work continues.
Current closures include:
• 1st Avenue West: West side, from the alley to 2nd Street (anticipated through November)
• 2nd Street: From the property line to 1st Avenue West (anticipated through September)
Johnson Wilson Constructors remains committed to maintaining safe and convenient access to
neighboring businesses whenever possible. Should additional access modifications become
necessary, they will be coordinated through the City of Duluth and communicated well in
advance to minimize inconvenience and provide appropriate accommodation for our neighbors.
On behalf of Chum and the entire project team, thank you for your continued patience,
encouragement, and partnership throughout construction. Your understanding and support are helping
make possible a facility that will provide hope, dignity, and essential services to individuals and families
for generations to come.
As the building continues to rise, so too does the vision of what this project represents—not just a new
facility, but a lasting investment in our community and the people Chum serves. We look forward to
sharing additional milestones and celebrating continued progress with you in the months ahead.
Nick Minardi - Minardi Construction Management
Owner’s Representative
FAQs
What shelter services does Chum provide?
Chum provides a wide variety of shelter services to the Northland's diverse population. Services include: The Drop-in Center and Shelter - provides basic needs to those who need it (showers, food, hygiene supplies, a hot cup of coffee, etc.), staff assistance (housing, applications, public benefits, service connections, basic medical care), and individual and family overnight shelter. Street Outreach - connects with people living outside in places not meant for human habitation and builds trust and help individuals access health care, services, and eventually housing. Winter Warming Center - provides shelter for those banned from the shelter or for those who prefer to stay out of overcrowded conditions from October to May. Safe Bay - offers a secure place to sleep for people living out of their vehicles from May to October. St. Francis & Steve O'Neil Apartments - provides low-income housing, programming, and staff assistance for seniors/families transitioning out of homelessness.
Who are the people Chum Shelter serves?
In 2024, Chum sheltered 1,791 people - a 25% increase from 2023. Some other statistics: 63% men, 37% women, and 115 children 52% BIPOC, compared to 12% in Duluth overall Nearly ALL reported a disability: 51% series mental illness, 30% substance use disorder, and 26% physical disability 38% arrived from places not meant for human habitation
Why expand now, and in the same location?
Currently serving over 125 nightly with only 30 beds, our new facility will provide 168 beds and more spaces for services. With the current building being outdated and undersized and federal funding requiring building on the current site, expanding on the current site now was the best option for all involved.
Where has Chum moved to in the meantime?
Chum's Overnight Shelter and Drop-In Center moved to Damiano's third floor, which was renovated with county funds for Chum's temporary use during construction. Guests were moved on October 1, with staff preparations occurring in the months prior to ensure a smooth transition, minimal guest anxiety, and thorough communication with multiple agencies.
What will the expansion include?
An increase from 9,770 sq. ft. to 23,780 sq. ft. (through renovation and new two-story addition), a bed increase from 80 to 168, ADA-compliancy and better accommodations for mobility devices, upgraded safety and security systems, and dedicated space for on-site housing advocates, peer support, and health providers.
Will the expansion include any developments in programming?
The expansion will include several new programs, including: HUB Team (launching September 2025): Expands street outreach, peer support, and health triage. Focuses on reducing overdoses, offering first aid, and connecting people to servces. New Expectations for Guests: Attitude of gratitude and respect for facilities, active participation in housing plans, services, and job/volunteer opportunities, and incentives such as roomettes (private small rooms with a locking door) for those making progress towards stability. Community Clean-Up Program (launching 2026): Provides incentives for guests to participate in neighborhood improvement projects.
What is the reasoning behind the purchase of 23 W 1st Street?
Unfortunately, Damiano could not accommodate office space for Chum, and no office spaces approximate to the Chum Center. A cost-benefit analysis deemed it cheaper to pay mortgage on a new building than paying rent at several buildings. The purchase of the old gallery on 1st street allows all Chum staff to be stationed in the same building for the first time, as well as room for storage, a landing pad for our outreach teams, and a drop-off location for donations. It also opens opportunities to use the building for renting to other agencies, and works towards the activation of a better downtown Duluth by filling vacant buildings.
Is the funding secured going to cover the entire expansion project?
The majority of the expansion project is covered by previously secured grants. Some small fundraising may have to be done, but small fundraising that will be attainable.
Will there be an outdoor area or courtyard where people can gather?
We will have a gathering area in the new shelter for clients to gather and relax that will be enclosed and off of the street.
What will happen to the temporary shelter space at Damiano once Chum is moved back?
Social services in Duluth are in constant collaboration, and really try to not duplicate services. Many things change daily in regards to funding and the needs of the community, so while there are a lot of ideas for what the space can be used for, that decision will be made when the time comes as we continue to work hard to meet the needs of the community.
Will the expansion have any impact on the Warming Center during the winter(s)?
The Warming Center will continue to operate as normal. The Warming Center is crucial due to the amount of people that need to be accommodated, and for those in the community who spend the rest of the year living outdoors.
Once your expansion is completed, how will you sustain operations in this much larger facility? Do you have the money?
We have been and continue to work on projections for increased operational costs, and are in conversations with funding partners for additional revenue so it's sufficient for our needs once we're ready to move into the newly expanded shelter and drop-in center. Chum has been so fortunate over the past 52 years to have had such generous and committed community support. We look forward to future support to help us be a better, more efficient safety net that is sustainable no matter what the needs are.
Who is designing and constructing the renovation and expansion?
Architecture Advantage, a Duluth architectural firm that designed the new building. Duluth-based Johnson Wilson Constructors, Inc., was selected as general contractor for the project. In addition, Chum contracted with Minardi Construction Management to be Chum's owner representative, overseeing the work on Chum's behalf.