Dakota Woodlands is the only short term housing facility for homeless women and children in Dakota County. Families are able to stay as long as necessary to move from having no homes to new homes of their own.   During this time, residents are provided with services and education which help them address their issues related to homelessness. On average, 84% of the residents move successfully to safe, affordable housing.

For more information, please contact Barb Nicolazzi, Program Director at:

(phone) 651-456-9110 or e-mail: barb@dakotawoodlands.org

The number of families that we serve does not significantly change from year to year.  Each family has unique circumstances, needs and issues related to homelessness.  During 2007, we sheltered 250 residents, 110 women and 140 children.  Throughout the year, we assisted at least 30 additional families with supportive services who didn’t stay at Dakota Woodlands.

• The residents were stable in their housing, prior to homelessness. The vast majority of families, 39%, had two or less residences in the past five years.   This was a 57% increase from 2006-2007.  Similarly, more families (29% increase) from 2006 to 2007 were in their previous residence for five years or more. 
• In 2007, 80% of our residents were here thirty days or longer.  As compared to 72% in 2006.  Thirty days is the limit of most family shelters.  The average length of stay in 2007 was 70 days, as compared to 61 days in 2006.
• Regarding family size…the families only have a few members, rarely do we see families with three or more children.  The average family size was 2.17 members. 
• Not only are the families small, but contrary to what some might think, 49% of the adults were thirty-five years of age or older.  20% were young (18-22 years). 
• From newborn babies to adults of all ages, the average age of a resident last year was 17 ½ years old.
• Of the 140 children who were here with their parents, 48% were preschool, newborn through 4 years.  57% were school-aged.  25% of all the children were teens. 
• 79% of our women came here with some type of income.  85% of the residents had either the same or an increase in their income from intake to exit.