“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” - Matthew 11:28 (NRSV)
Beginnings and History
In 1992, Saint Olaf pastor Monsignor Francis Fleming purchased the Mahala Fisk Pillsbury Club building behind the church on Second Avenue. The Women’s Christian Association operated the building as a women’s residence from 1956 to 1992. The timing of the parish purchase was perfect.
A few months before the purchase, “the University of St. Thomas was dealing with public reaction to the conversion of a building on its downtown Minneapolis campus from affordable housing to university offices. The building in question, known as the Exodus Hotel, served as a residence for about 90 people.
Given the acute shortage of affordable housing in the city, the prospect of losing this facility was understandably disturbing. Fr. John Forliti, then Vice President for Student Affairs at St. Thomas, found himself in the midst of the controversy as the person charged by the university to resolve the problem. So when Saint Olaf expressed interest in purchasing the Pillsbury Club, it seemed like the perfect solution had been found. Exodus residents would have a new home and St. Thomas would have its building.”
What Is The Exodus Building Used For Today?
Saint Olaf continues to care for the Exodus building until construction starts mid-2025. Currently, two floors of the building are being leased by Hennepin County for family shelter safe waiting space. This stewardship is aligned with our parish mission, and helps cover utility and other expenses until full construction begins. Watch the parish quarterly newsletters for project updates.
A New Location for Affordable Housing
Catholic Charities has moved their residential housing program to a new site at Elliot Park. Their new program Endeavors will help to provide 173 single people with homes. For more information about Endeavors, you can contact Catholic Charities at (612) 204-8500, or email them at info@cctwincities.org.