Services

Shelter

Families are offered their own private secure bedrooms and have access to shared community living space. This includes washer and dryer facility, TV lounges, dining room, workout room, computer lab, childcare and game room.

Nutritious Meals

Nutritional meals are offered daily to include continental breakfast, hot lunch, dinner and snacks prepared by professional cooks. Menus are created and approved by a licensed Dietitian.

Education & activities

Dakota Woodlands offers an educational program that teaches life skills to help maintain permanent housing. This encourages well-being and a healthy life style. The program also includes learning activities for the entire family to enjoy.

Basic Needs
Dakota Woodlands (DW) offers a safe and friendly environment for clients to transition from being homeless to finding sustainable and independent housing. Clients staying at DW receive nutritious meals, private bedrooms, personal care products, seasonal clothing, and an opportunity to learn life building skills through an educational curriculum.

Supportive Services at the Shelter
Encouragement and person-centered care is at the forefront of Dakota Woodlands supportive services. DW is part of a specialized care team that partners with Dakota county, connecting clients to needed services, resources, and finding permanent housing. During a client's stay, DW provides supportive service that includes transportation, arranging for meetings and appointments, arranging for medical and social services, reminding clients to take medications that are self-administered, and providing social opportunities. DW takes it a step further by improving the client's odds of not reentering homelessness. Through education and coaching, DW empowers clients to sustain independence and overall well-being. DW offers an educational program that teaches life skills to include financial literacy, personalized employment development, sustaining housing, parenting, and computer literacy.

As a client journeys through the program, credits are earned and may be exchanged for household items for their new home. After a client meets all requirements of the curriculum, they will graduate receiving beneficial rewards and a program diploma for their accomplishment. Clients may also take the opportunity to enroll in elective classes outside of the core offerings and take part in fun activities for the whole family to enjoy. DW is dedicated to embracing family values and provides childcare to make it easier for clients to participate and to fulfill the social and educational part of the program.

What does DW offer a client after graduation from the educational program? More opportunities! DW offers a special work program for clients to learn "real job" skills earning a possible work reference for future employment and earn credit(s) for the in-house DW store. The store consists of items which include household goods, small kitchen appliances, personal and baby care items, bedding, towels, toys, and much more. The DW store is very popular with clients and is proven to be a great resource.

Continued Support after Leaving the Shelter
When a family leaves the shelter, DW makes every attempt to keep in touch. DW introduces them to community connections that will continue to assist them in their recovery and including them in family activities such as picnics, community arts, and school functions. DW provides transportation for these activities and admission fees. Former clients are also assisted with emergency needs such as diapers, formula, laundry detergent, and other items that support immediate needs and help maintain stability for the family.

If you are experiencing a housing crisis and are looking for information about placement at Dakota Woodlands or other housing options, please contact Housing Crisis Response at 651-554-5751. Click here for resources.

Dakota Woodlands, 3430 Wescott Woodlands, Eagan, MN 55123 | Telephone: 651-456-9110 | www.dakotawoodlands.org