Who We Are
Dakota Woodlands is the only shelter for families experiencing homelessness in Dakota County.
Our main goal is to help families secure and maintain permanent, supportive housing. We do this by partnering with families to ensure they have access to resources, education, and support to gain stability and secure their own homes.
Our impact in 2024
214+
Individuals provided with shelter and essential services.
54+
Families were transitioned to permanent housing.
1,941+
Essential self-care, hygiene, and baby care items were given out monthly.
5,949+
Meals & Snacks were provided monthly to families in need.
What We Do
Staff are ready to help families upon their arrival at Dakota Woodlands and continue to be supportive throughout their journey to a stable future.
Staff at Dakota Woodlands:
Assist families with removing barriers that prevent them from moving into affordable housing.
Connect families with services that help sustain independence after leaving the shelter.
Offer families access to supportive programs and services, reliable transportation, and assistance in scheduling meetings, medical appointments, and connecting with social services.
Our Cause
2024 Homelessness Statistics in the U.S.
Over 771,480 people experience homelessness on any given night.
37% of individuals experiencing homelessness in Minnesota are unsheltered.
259,473 people in families with children experience homelessness on any given night.
39% more people in families with children experienced homelessness from 2023 to 2024.
24% of people experiencing homelessness reside in suburban areas.
If you are Experiencing a Housing Crisis and are looking for information about placement at Dakota Woodlands or other housing resources, please contact the Housing Resource Line at
Latest News/Blog
Our Partners
