Alexandra House Secures Additional $120K In Federal Funds For Critical Safety Upgrades

Alexandra House Secures Additional $120K In Federal Funds For Critical Safety Upgrades

By MinneapoliMedia Staff
Published: August 5, 2025

ANOKA COUNTY, MN — A trusted refuge for survivors of domestic and sexual violence for nearly five decades, Alexandra House, Inc. has received a major financial boost from the Anoka County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA). At its July 22, 2025 public meeting, the HRA unanimously approved an additional $120,000 in federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding for the nonprofit’s Blaine shelter facility.

The new allocation, which brings the total award for this project to $450,000, will fund the replacement of the shelter’s fire suppression system—a critical safety upgrade to protect residents, staff, and infrastructure. Of the additional amount, $112,000 will go toward construction, while $8,000 is designated for Davis-Bacon Act wage compliance.

The funding is provided entirely through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and administered locally by Anoka County.

“This project ensures our emergency shelter meets modern safety standards while continuing to offer trauma-informed care,” said a spokesperson for Alexandra House. “We’re grateful to the HRA for their continued partnership and investment in survivor safety.”

A History of Service: Nearly 50 Years of Impact

Founded in 1976 by the Anoka County Task Force for Battered Women, Alexandra House began its work by launching a 24-hour crisis line. In 1980, it opened its first emergency shelter in Fridley, accommodating 12 women and their children. By 1983, the growing need led to a relocation to Blaine, where the facility expanded capacity to 17 residents.

In 1994, the organization broke ground on a purpose-built shelter in Blaine that remains its home today, with space for up to 35 women and children.

Over the decades, Alexandra House has evolved from a crisis shelter to a full-service nonprofit. Today, it offers:

• Legal advocacy and court support
• Community and youth violence prevention programs
• Elder abuse services
• Safety planning and educational outreach
• Pet-safe co-sheltering, allowing survivors to bring up to six companion animals, including cats, dogs, rabbits, and hamsters

Each year, Alexandra House provides shelter and support to hundreds of individuals—497 residents in 2022 alone, with over 1,500 clients served across all its programs.

A Project Rooted in Urgency and Public Oversight

The latest $120,000 award supplements a March 2025 allocation of $330,000, which fell short due to rising construction costs. In accordance with federal guidelines, a 30-day public comment period opened on June 20, and a public hearing was held during the HRA’s July 22 meeting at the Anoka County Government Center. No objections were raised, and the board approved the reallocation unanimously.

The project aligns with the CDBG program’s national objective of serving low- to moderate-income individuals and families. According to county staff, construction is scheduled to begin in late summer 2025.

“We understand the importance of Alexandra House’s work and the need to maintain a facility that is both safe and functional,” said Renee Sande, Anoka County’s Community and Government Relations Manager. “This investment ensures that no one is turned away because of building limitations.”

Commitment to Community Safety

The fire suppression system upgrade is not just a regulatory necessity; it’s a life-saving infrastructure enhancement for an organization that operates 24/7 in service to some of the county’s most vulnerable residents. The HRA’s additional investment underscores a broader commitment to funding capital improvements that directly benefit the public good.

Residents, advocates, and supporters of Alexandra House praised the action, emphasizing the critical role shelters play in breaking cycles of violence and restoring lives.

Key Project Details

About Alexandra House, Inc.

Alexandra House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in Blaine, Minnesota. It offers emergency shelter and support services for women, men, and children experiencing domestic and sexual violence. Its holistic approach includes legal advocacy, prevention education, transitional housing, elder abuse response, and a nationally recognized co-sheltering program for pets.

To learn more or support the mission, visit www.alexandrahouse.org.

For further information on Anoka County’s CDBG program and funding decisions, visit the Anoka County Agenda Center.

MinneapoliMedia