Committee approves interim permit for People Serving People to open downtown family shelter

The Housing & Zoning Committee on July 22 approved an interim use permit that allows People Serving People to operate a family shelter at the Federal Plaza Building, 219 S. 4th St., through Aug. 31, 2029.

CBED planner Alex Kohlhas told the committee the applicant revised its maximum capacity from an initial 312 to 280 people; staff recommended approval with two conditions (an end date and compliance with zoning standards for long‑term bicycle parking unless a waiver is granted). Grace Rick, People Serving People’s director of enterprise operations, said the shelter will offer hotel‑style rooms for families, up to 208 beds and an expected nightly census around 180 people, and that families will be referred by Hennepin County.

Rick described operational plans including 24/7 staffing and contracted security, locked‑entry access for residents and staff, daily facilities staff and onsite laundry and meal service. She said the organization will complete minor renovations and intends to open in early September under a short‑term lease while final purchase negotiations proceed.

Because strict compliance with the bicycle parking standard would have reduced first‑floor dining and communal space crucial to the shelter’s service model, the applicant requested — and the committee approved — a waiver that allows required long‑term bicycle parking to be provided in the basement with controlled access.

Council members from multiple wards voiced support for the shelter’s family‑centered model and the committee approved the permit and the variance by voice vote.