Transformational housing and growth for individuals and families on their journeys of recovery

The numbers don`t lie… Emma Norton`s permanent supportive housing programs work! They work so well that our clients lease completion rate is actually better than average!

Want to support solutions to homelessness that actually make a difference? Learn more at www.emmanorton.org or register for our annual Gala at https://secure.qgiv.com/event/odg26 …

Have you registered for the 2026 Gala yet? Don`t wait! https://secure.qgiv.com/event/odg26?launchmodal=1 …

We want to give a big thank you to everyone who has already come in as a table sponsor for this year`s Opening Doors Gala! Your support, both financially and in inviting so many guests, is essential to the Gala`s success.

Have you registered for the Gala yet? There`s only a week left to register and be included in the early bird drawing! Register here: https://secure.qgiv.com/event/odg26?launchmodal=1 …

To celebrate Women`s History Month we`re sharing pieces from our historical archive and some of the history of Emma Norton Services.

By the early 1960s, women`s rights had expanded significantly, allowing many more women to enter the workforce and seek higher education. The organization`s original building on College Ave housed only 25 people, and was consistently full with a long waiting list. In 1967 the organization moved to it`s new building, dubbed Emma Norton Residence, on Robert Street near the state capitol, also doubling the number of people housed.

Over the next two decades we housed many young women from all walks of life, including immigrants studying social work, capitol pages, and deaf students at St. Paul College. We also housed a small number of men in that time period as a part of a partnership with Regions Hospital where we housed families of people in long-term care at Regions.

As the 1980s drew to a close, rates of homelessness and chemical dependency were climbing. In response to the increased trauma we were seeing, we added the first social worker to our staff in 1987.

Want to be a part of this amazing legacy of service in the Twin Cities? Make sure you`re registered for the 2026 Opening Doors Gala! Register here: https://secure.qgiv.com/event/odg26 …

“This is such a blessing. Where else can you get furniture, art, clothing, supplies—everything included? And the people here are wonderful.” — Roger, Restoring Waters resident

Want to support the healing journeys of wonderful people in our community like Roger? Join us for the 2026 Opening Doors Gala- register here: https://secure.qgiv.com/event/odg26?launchmodal=1

Register before April 1 for a chance to win Emma Norton merchandise! …

We`re still seeking donations for the 2026 Opening Doors Gala live and silent auctions– we`re now just under a month away from the auction donation deadline!

We reviewed data from the last few Galas to determine what auction items our community likes to bid on the most:
• Themed baskets: Successful themed baskets combine tangible goods with gift certificates and/or have a clever and consistent theme! Themes that have been popular in the past: Local Experiences, Family-friendly Activities, Luxury Relaxation and Spa, and Gourmet Food or Coffee.
• Experiences + Services: Donate your time/skills for an activity/service or talk to a talented friend or family member about what they could donate! Examples include a guided foraging walk, therapeutic massage, sound bath experience, etc.
• Local business gift cards: Support the auction AND a business you love!
• Baked goods + treats: Wildly popular every year—a single pie can go for $100!

Visit https://emmanorton.org/events/ for more information and to download the auction donation form!
Have you registered for the Gala yet? Even if you just want to participate in the online auction, you`ll need to register an account with the free "Online Bidding Only" option. Register here: https://secure.qgiv.com/event/odg26?launchmodal=1 …

"Even as a very introverted person, the Opening Doors Gala is always a super energizing event for me! It’s inspiring to be in a room with so many people who care so deeply about dignity and autonomy for people in recovery from homelessness. It gives me hope."
– Alex, ENS Communications Specialist

With all Minnesota has been through in the past few months, coming together as a community is especially important these days. This year, we`re sharing quotes from staff and community members about why the Opening Doors Gala is such an important and inspiring opportunity to be in community together, while raising funds for Emma Norton Services.
To register for the Gala, go to https://secure.qgiv.com/event/odg26
A link to register can also be found on our website homepage www.emmanorton.org …

The Living Room at Emma Norton has had many visitors over it`s first year of operation! This free, walk-in mental health service is available to anyone 18 or older in Minnesota at no cost.

While the majority of visitors come for help processing life events, the Living Room was actually designed with de-escalating crisis in mind. In the over 500 visits we`ve had at the Living Room, less than half of one percent have resulted in hospitalization.

The Living Room is often utilized by people who, for a variety of reasons, don`t feel comfortable with mental health care. The most often cited reason that visitors chose the Living Room over other options is a lack of trust in the system.

Services like the Living Room at Emma Norton are vital for closing care gaps in our community, giving everyone access to the resources they need for healing. To support programs like the Living Room, please consider attending or donating to our annual fundraising event, the Opening Doors Gala, on April 20. More information and registration here: https://secure.qgiv.com/event/odg26 …

It takes many hands behind-the-scenes to make the Opening Doors Gala such an inspiring celebration! Do you want to be a part of the special team that makes it all happen? Check out the link below to sign up to volunteer!

https://volunteer.bloomerang.co/volunteer/#/join-party?k=ew081igq92ysf7 …

This International Women`s Day we want to celebrate the incredible and innovative work of the women who began Emma Norton Services over 100 years ago.

In the early 1900s, women in America had very limited rights. Young Minnesotan women couldn`t even travel to the Twin Cities without a male chaperone, and most landlords refused to rent to women- be they on their own or with female friends/family. This meant the economic and educational opportunities of the Twin Cities were inaccessible to unmarried women.

In 1916, a Methodist woman named Emma Norton gave a gift of $25,000 to the United Methodist Women organization. They used that gift to start an endowment fund, and purchase a large home on College Ave in St. Paul. The next year the Methodist Home for Girls opened, with space for 25 girls and young women to live and support each other as they got their educations and began working.

Want to celebrate our work and history with us in person? Register for the Opening Doors Gala at https://secure.qgiv.com/event/odg26 …