Heard About Listening House

 “I care about my city, my community and the people who live here, and I consider the homeless a part of our community.  I believe the Listening House program is essential to providing a healthy, safe, structured environment, plus a bit of normalcy for people whose lives can be a struggle from the minute they wake up, with at times little more than the clothes they are wearing; to the time they find a place to rest their heads. People on the street know the staff and volunteers at Listening House genuinely care about them and help them make steps toward their goals of lasting change.  Everyone needs a sense of purpose, a sense of belonging and a belief that you can have a better life.  The Listening House instills this in people and provides them with services they can use to improve their lives. Our community needs this program, because it’s helping to make our city safer, and in helping people make positive change in their lives, they are in return giving back to our community.”

Officer Derrick Boone, St. Paul Police Department         

Forgiveness and an opportunity for atonement is part of the fabric of the Listening House mission

Primary task is to build a trusting relationship by first meeting people where they’re at.

It’s not rule bound; two principles say it all – Respect other guests, staff and neighbors, and don’t bring the street into Listening House.

By being a program without time limits, and by having expectations for courteous behavior we recognize the need to belong and to feel safe.

There are few places left to tell your story, and listening is our purpose.

We take a holistic approach that understands emotional, physical and spiritual needs must all be met to feel hopeful.

We build a strong sense of community (for example, during an interview on end of life preferences, one guest said she would rather die on a couch in Listening House than in a sterile hospital room).

Guests are met where they’re at, on a foundation of mutual respect.

Rules are applied equitably, and that reinforces the foundation of mutual respect.

It is a house filled with humor – volunteers and staff want to do this work here.

“The staff has gifts that I see in them – they are people of God. Staff shows the gifts in their action at work with people. Staff helps people all the time, not some of the time, all the time because they listen. Thank God for the Listening House staff.”

“THEY LISTEN  !!!!!!!!!!!!”

 “They truly care.”

“Staff keep it real; you’re treated fairly. If you need, they can help.  If you mess up, your ass is out.  Simple.  But really, compassion is real here.

“Every human being needs a safe zone. Thank you for your dedication.”