360 Communities will close its Lewis House domestic and sexual violence shelter in Hastings and reduce staffing in its violence prevention and intervention program by mid-November 2023.

“Resource constraints led us to this difficult decision,” says 360 Communities President & CEO Jeff Mortensen. “Unfortunately, at a time when anti-violence work is needed most, critical funding is not keeping pace with the rising cost of operations.” 360 Communities is the only organization running two domestic and sexual violence shelters in the state and operates the only violence prevention and intervention program in Dakota County.

The Lewis Houses primarily rely on a grant from the Minnesota Office of Justice Programs (OJP), a Minnesota Department of Public Safety division, as their main funding source. This grant is comprised of both federal and state dollars to support crime victims. Despite rising costs and increasing demand over the past six years, Crime Victims Services funding has remained unchanged. In its latest OJP grant application, 360 Communities requested the funding needed to sustain services, considering the additional costs incurred for program operations and staffing over the last six years. However, the grant award remained stagnant. Other domestic and sexual violence programs across the state are also experiencing hardships.

Impact on Victims/Survivors

The closure of the Hastings Lewis House reduces our shelter bed capacity by 21 beds, impacting approximately 200 people annually. This affects shelter capacity in Dakota County and nearby regions and reduces overall shelter capacity across the state.

“We will create a transition plan for current Lewis House residents in Hastings to ensure their safety and shelter,” says Mortensen. “This involves safety planning, coordination, relocation to the Eagan Lewis House, and leveraging Minnesota’s Day One shelter network.”

360 Communities is part of the Day One network, a collaborative effort among shelters across Minnesota that ensures help is available for people fleeing domestic and sexual violence. If the Eagan Lewis House is at capacity, 360 Communities will utilize this network to provide safe shelter and transportation for victims seeking refuge elsewhere.

About 360 Communities Lewis House

360 Communities has provided essential support to individuals and families for over two decades through its two Lewis House domestic and sexual violence shelters. They are named in honor of Senator B. Robert Lewis, who sponsored legislation for family violence victims. These shelters in Eagan and Hastings have provided safety and stability to 500 adults and children from Dakota and surrounding Counties annually. Alongside these shelters, 360 Communities offers a holistic range of services, including Community Advocacy, which specifically aids domestic and sexual violence victims and survivors, reaching an additional 3,000 people annually.

Our future

360 Communities will maintain Community Advocacy throughout Dakota County, including dedicated staff in Hastings at the Dakota County Sheriff’s Office and the Hastings Police Department. Eighty-three percent of the domestic and sexual violence victims/survivors supported by 360 Communities access services through Community Advocacy.

The Eagan Lewis House will remain a vital shelter for domestic and sexual violence victims in Dakota County and neighboring regions.

360 Communities’ long-term vision involves the construction of a new shelter at our Eagan location. This project will regain shelter capacity with a trauma-informed approach that expands safety and healing both physically and emotionally. It includes pathways forward that remove barriers and promote violence-free lives through greater access to permanent supportive housing with ongoing case management. It also involves engaging the community in promoting healthy relationships and violence prevention through education and expanded partnerships.

360 Communities is dedicated to aiding victims of domestic and sexual violence. We are the only organization in Dakota County offering shelter, support, and advocacy. Domestic and sexual violence is a widespread public health concern affecting one in three women and one in seven men, has generational consequences for families, and is a significant factor in homelessness.

Domestic violence is a public health and safety issue. 

• 1 in 3 women and 1 in 7 men experience physical and/or sexual violence.
• More than five domestic violence incidents occur in Dakota County every day.
• 35% of all law enforcement calls are domestic disputes.
• An estimated 80% of domestic violence incidents go unreported.
• Domestic violence is a leading cause of homelessness.

Violence prevention and intervention work needs community support now more than ever. Join 360 Communities and take action. 

• Learn more about domestic and sexual violence.
• If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, call our 24/7 crisis hotline at (651) 452-7288.
• Support 360 Communities financially here.
• Advocate for increased crime victim funding with legislators. You can look up your local, state, and federal legislators here.
  Another helpful resource with tips for contacting legislators can be found here.