Aspen House
Location information
2031 Victoria Rd South
Mendota Heights, MN 55118
Phone: 651-447-4090
Fax: 763-328-2775
Program snapshot
- Located in Mendota Heights, MN
- Serves youth ages 11-18 from across MN
- Staffed 24/7
- Provides recreational activities, educational instruction, coordination with outside supports, stabilization services, and on-going connections with family support systems
- We partner and coordinate with existing providers or make referrals for mental health supports.
- Youth attend school onsite.
Located in Mendota Heights, MN, Aspen House is a community-based short-term shelter for youth ages 11-18 who temporarily need a safe place to live. Youth in our care have private bedrooms and access to educational and mental health services during their stay.
Started in partnership with Dakota and Washington Counties, Aspen House now serves youth from all counties in Minnesota. Referrals from county workers are required. Aspen House is staffed 24/7.
How we support youth
Who we serve
Aspen House provides a safe space to stay for youth ages 11-18 who are temporarily displaced but don’t require emergency department services or a locked facility. Youth may stay up to 90 days.
Our approach
Aspen House not only provides temporary housing, but also includes recreational activities, educational instruction, coordination with outside supports, stabilization services, and on-going connections with family support systems. Although not a treatment center, we recognize youth often come to Aspen House with mental health needs. We partner and coordinate with existing providers or make referrals for mental health supports.
All referrals will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. A youth may be turned down due to:
- Current physical aggression
- Current active suicidal ideation that can’t be mitigated
- Elopement risk
- Active substance use
- Unable to be independent with activities of daily living (ADL)
- Use of injectable medicines that can’t be self-administered (other than EpiPen)
- No smoking, chewing, or vaping is allowed on the premises
Education programs
Through a partnership with Intermediate School District 197, youth staying at Aspen House attend school onsite. Music, art, cultural, and physical activities along with regular outings are all a part of our educational focus and build a sense of community for the youth in our care.
To encourage youth to be fully present and to ensure their safety, electronics are limited for youth during their stay at Aspen House.
“Aspen House became a second home for me while my parents and I sorted things out.” – Youth
For professionals and referral partners
We are unable to accept referrals from parents, schools, hospitals, or other community members unless coordinated through a county. We do not accept walk-ins or self-referrals. Referrals must be made by a county representative, such as a child protection worker, probation officer, or case manager.
Learn, connect and get involved
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