Our Mission Statement
Connections Shelter is dedicated to walking with our neighbors experiencing homelessness to help move them from crisis to stability.
Where We Began
Connections Ministry began as a coalition of downtown churches in Mankato Minnesota, coming together to best serve those in the community seeking assistance and resources. Out of the intentional relationships built through our Community Connectors, it was determined that one of the best ways we could make a difference was to open a rotating shelter. Led by Rev. Collette Broady Grund and Rev. Erica Koser, and partnering with 8 local congregations, Connections launched the shelter October 31, 2017. Over the course of that season we hosted over 125 individuals and families.
Where We Are Now
In 2021, Connections Shelter moved permanently to First Presbyterian Church. We have expanded from 25 beds to 48 beds and operate seasonally from October to May.
In 2022, through a partnership with Blue Earth County, we were able to open the Drop-in Center, located downtown at 800 S Front Street. The Drop-in Center serves as our executive offices, as well as a resource center for those who are experiencing homelessness, or are facing other types of instability in their lives. We offer basic needs, such as frozen meals, snacks, water and Gatorade, hygiene supplies, bus tokens, clothing and other needs.
Our Community Partners
We take our name, Connections, very seriously. We know that it takes a whole community to address the needs of those experiencing homelessness.
We are proud to connect with a wide variety of public and private partners.
Community Founded.
Community Funded.
Mankato Area Foundation
Mankato Clinic Foundation
L&N Andreas Foundation
HickoryTech/Consolidated Communications
Greater Mankato Area United Way
Eide Bailly
Carl and Verna Schmidt Foundation
BENCO Electric
Taylor Foundation
Taylor Family Farms Foundation
Mardag Foundation
Federated Insurance
Vanderberg Cleaning
St. Paul and Minnesota Foundation
MEI
Wow!Zone/Victory Bowl
Busch/Lawrence Group
Schmidt Siding and Window
NorthStar Mortgage
Community Bank
Profinium Bank
Scheels
Open Door Health Center
Mayo Clinic
City of Mankato
City of North Mankato
Blue Earth County
HyVee
Genoa Pharmacy
Partners for Housing
Salvation Army
The Reach
MVAC
Holy Grounds
South Central Minnesota Food Recovery
Mankato Moondogs
Brennan Companies
WEB Construction
Radio Mankato
Mankato Free Press
First Presbyterian Church
Bethlehem Lutheran Church
Grace Lutheran Church
Christ the King Lutheran
Messiah Lutheran Church
Crossview Covenant
Hosanna Lutheran
Centenary United Methodist Church
St. John's Episcopal
St. John the Baptist Catholic
Holy Rosary Catholic
Mt. Olive Lutheran Church
Belgrade United Methodist Church
7th Day Adventist Church
Zion Lutheran Church
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Mankato