ARCC Emergency Shelter

Our Mission

To provide safe shelter and supportive services to those experiencing intimate partner violence.

1989 the Akeley, MN school ceased operating and in 2003 was incorporated into The Akeley Regional Community Center (ARCC). The nonprofit complex housed a clothing store, furniture store, a public library, bookstore, outdoor playground and community garden. The ARCC now has one of the largest thrift stores in northern Minnesota, public library, gymnasium, 2 apartments, community meeting space and a community garden.

March 2020 a committee was established to renovate the 2nd floor of the complex to provide safe shelter to domestic violence victims and their children. Renovations have been supported by ARCC and community members through monetary and in-kind donations. Volunteers from Bemidji, Pine River, Park Rapids, Nevis, Akeley, Walker and Hackensack have provided over 5000 hours to renovations. The over $200,000 renovation project reached the point where an Executive Director was onboarded to oversee shelter operations and fund development.

The ARCCES Committee and Executive Director participated in strategic planning to establish a mission; to provide safe shelter and supportive services to those experiencing intimate partner violence. Strategic planning also included creating a thorough and fiscally responsible project timeline to ensure sustainability of the shelter:

•Phase 1 - supportive services in partnership with Family Safety Network (FSN) 9am-      4pm, Monday–Friday while serving Cass, Hubbard, and Clearwater counties.   Services  include crisis call support, safety planning, criminal justice advocacy, financial             assistance, hotel program, food support, and referrals.  

•Phase 2 – shelter opening at 50% capacity occupying 11 beds.  Added supportive services include transportation, access to food and clothing, support groups, and 24/7 support.  

•Phase 3 – Tentative mid 2022; shelter capacity reaching 100% (22 beds). Phase 3 continues to provide all the services of phases 1 & 2 along with mentorship and children’s programming.

We are currently raising funds to complete renovations and supplement our operations budget.  Please feel free to reach out with any questions you may have: office@arcc-emergencyshelter.org  You may also view our website at https://www.arcc-emergencyshelter.com/.   

We greatly appreciate your consideration!