Program Highlight: Domus Transitional Housing

August 13, 2024

Domus Changes the Lives of a Mother and Child

Mia arrived at Domus with her 7-year-old son, Noah, excited and nervous about starting fresh in this new place. She had previously found herself couch hopping at her mother’s place for several months after being evicted from her apartment due to decreased work hours and increased monthly rent.


When her mother began using drugs again, Mia knew it was critical to remove herself and her son from that environment. She was grateful to be in the St. Cloud area where she had support. She enrolled Noah in school immediately and began looking for a job. Within a week, Mia secured a full-time job.


Domus staff helped assist Mia with finding a balance of working full time and having a young child in school. Mia was also able to get Childcare Assistance and was approved to utilize Dial-A-Ride to help her get to work.


Unfortunately, the sudden passing of a cousin and her mother deeply affected Mia as she struggled to continue her progress while dealing with her grief. As Mia found a new normal for herself and Noah, she was approved for an apartment through HRA.


She quickly requested assistance with the deposit and first month’s rent for the apartment. Mia and Noah moved into her new apartment, excited to start this new chapter in their journey together.



Learn more about Domus

Our Recent News

Bryce's Pumpkins

By Brittany Hoversten • April 14, 2025
At Catholic Charities Emergency Services, we see countless acts of kindness every day, but a recent donation from a remarkable young man left a special mark on our hearts. On a chilly Friday afternoon, Bryce, a 17-year-old student at Albany High School, donated an impressive 860 pounds of squash. This generous gift highlights the power of community support, proving that even in challenging times, there is always hope. Bryce has grown his own pumpkins, squash, and gourds under the name Bryce Pumpkin’s, which has become known for fresh, locally grown produce. His efforts extend beyond growing, as he sells his harvest at farmers markets and even had a booth at the Made in Minnesota Expo in November, supporting local businesses and sustainable farming. What makes his story even more inspiring is how Bryce uses his success to give back. His donation will directly help families in need through our food shelf, which serves St. Cloud and surrounding areas. Bryce’s squash donation will be a vital part of our monthly food distribution, helping to provide nutritious meals to hundreds of families in our community. His gesture demonstrates not only a heart full of compassion but also the interconnectedness of local farmers, businesses, and families. When young people like Bryce step up, it’s a reminder that the future is well cared for. Bryce’s story proves that even small acts of kindness can grow into something truly transformative. Through donations like Bryce’s, we are able to provide food to those who need it most, including seniors on fixed incomes and single parents working multiple jobs. The connection between local farmers and organizations like Catholic Charities sustains our community and fosters hope for those struggling. Looking ahead to the upcoming growing season, we’re excited to see what other generous community members, like Bryce, will share. His efforts remind us that every small contribution adds up to something much bigger, and it’s not just about the food—we’re also strengthening our community and inspiring hope for all.

Pack the Porches 2025!

March 28, 2025
PACK THE PORCHES FOOD AND FUND DRIVE RECEIVED OVER 6,000 POUNDS OF FOOD AND MORE THAN $21,000

A Day of Joy and Connection at Pond View Estates

By Brittany Hoversten • March 13, 2025
On Tuesday, January 28th, a group of students from Trex North School visited Pond View Estates in Albany, organized by Sandy Baldwin, group leader, and in collaboration with Catholic Charities in St. Cloud. Julie Ueland, the student advisor, helped oversee the project to ensure everything went smoothly. Pond View Estates is a Senior Dining Congregate Kitchen, where seniors gather to enjoy meals and socialize, making it a perfect environment for these students to connect with the residents. When the students arrived, the residents were delighted by the youthful energy and enthusiasm they brought. The students quickly got to work helping the seniors create Valentine’s cards before lunch. The atmosphere was filled with creativity and laughter as everyone worked together to make colorful and thoughtful cards. Afterward, the group enjoyed lunch together, where the dining hall was full of lively conversation. The students interacted with the seniors, hearing their stories and building new connections. The visit bridged generations, fostering meaningful and joyful interactions. The highlight of the day was the bingo game that followed lunch, where excitement filled the room as the numbers were called. Friendly competition brought plenty of laughs, especially when someone was just one number away from winning, only for another participant to grab the prize first. The fun, camaraderie, and shared moments left everyone smiling. A few standout interactions included Joseph and Riley spending time with resident Victor Tschida, and Tianna sharing a special moment with resident Ken Bunger. These connections highlighted the deep impact of intergenerational friendships. For many of the residents, the visit from the students was an unexpected but cherished experience, reminding everyone of the importance of making time for one another. It was a beautiful day of fostering community, connection, and kindness. As the students prepared to leave, there was a sense of fulfillment in the air. Not only had the day brightened the seniors' lives, but it also left a lasting impression on the students, who gained a deeper understanding of the joy and fulfillment that comes from spending quality time with others. The day ended with smiles, hugs, and promises to return, a reminder of how powerful and meaningful human connection can be.