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Senate bill would fund rural youth shelters that divert young people from detention
Summary
Senate File 1308 would appropriate $375,000 a year to support three 180 Degrees youth shelters serving Greater Minnesota; testimony emphasized shelter capacity in rural counties and the program's role preventing placements in juvenile detention.
Senate File 1308, presented March 10, would allocate $375,000 annually to support 180 Degrees, a nonprofit that operates youth shelters and outreach services in Greater Minnesota. The author, Senator Putnam, said the money would support three specific shelters in Rochester, Excelsior and St. Cloud that serve approximately 30 rural counties.
Dan Farr, CEO of 180 Degrees, told the committee the organization provides case management, shelter, outreach and alternatives to juvenile detention for young people across rural regions and that private funding and state grant availability differs between rural and urban areas. Desiree Stalbert, a former shelter resident, described her experience at 180 Degrees and testified the program helped her address trauma, engage with foster care and prepare for college.
Committee members asked whether services overlap with Department of Human Services programs and whether the bill's racial-disparity language matched the intent and wording used in the other legislative chamber. Farr said the shelters often work in partnership with county law enforcement and juvenile justice partners to accept direct drop-offs and serve areas with no other shelter capacity.
Senator Putnam said the bill aims to sustain services in Greater Minnesota where shelter options are sparse and was laid over for possible inclusion in an omnibus measure; no committee vote occurred.
