Our History

“Get a storefront, wait, and pray. If God wants it, He’ll pay for it.”

Founders Patty Dease and Betty Sullivan wrote their business plan 25 years ago, with confidence that others would join them to support a unique listening ministry dedicated to a belief that each person has value.  Their dream was realized in December 1983, when a benevolent building owner offered three months free rent at the corner of Ninth and St. Peter Streets. His offer included two folding chairs.  The women's agenda was especially modest: "Listen! Do not preach; do not try to fix."

Street people spread the word, and as one journalist wrote then, “At any given time, five to 25 people enjoy hospitality in a community center where they come for a cup of coffee, meet friends, play dominoes or guitar, sit alone in peace or sort through a troubling problem with someone who will listen.”

In years following, more people lost apartments or rooms-to-rent, and space became cramped prompting a move to 475 St. Peter Street.  Though challenged to add needed services and seek more operating funds, staff continued to honor the importance of listening to people’s stories.   In 1995, a downtown revitalization project triggered a decision to end the lease, and Listening House became homeless. Our neighbor, Assumption Church, rescued the mission by offering office space. Staff shifted activity to street outreach where they delivered guest mail and maintained friendships.  Within months, a downtown businessman negotiated a lease with Catholic Charities for our current home at 215 Ninth Street West.

Mayor Randy Kelly appealed for expanded hours in January 2004 after a small group of shelter residents told him they were left to walk the streets, huddle in parking ramps or seek warmth in businesses until overnight shelter opened. Evening hours, called “Safe Waiting” were added from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., and Listening House remains the only facility available to homeless people during these times. 
 
Today, over 200 adults visits our humble, well-lived-in space each day. Listening House philosophy remains focused on creating a respectful environment that supports people going through difficult transitions. Guests, staff and volunteers are expected to respect each other.  In the words of one guest, “We don’t want negativity in Listening House – we all have to keep the house “clean.” Known as a good neighbor, Listening House collaborates with the broader community including police, residents, and local business to resolve problems and foster relationships that benefit everyone.