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Crookston shelter invests in dignity and sustainability

September 2025

By Emily Haeg Nguyen
Northwest, MN

Every year, Care and Share of Crookston provides shelter to hundreds of Minnesotans. Serving eight counties in northwestern Minnesota, the regional shelter offers hospitality, hope, and essential resources to those most in need. At any given time, its 100-year-old building is home to 40 men, 20 women, and six families.

With so many people relying on the building every day, a leaky roof or malfunctioning appliance can have a far reaching impact. With this in mind, Care and Share has partnered with the Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs), to make several rounds of upgrades to their shelter building. Most recently, the organization was able to replace the outdated water heater with a reliable, energy efficient version.

“Upgrades like these may seem small from the outside, but for us, they’re transformational,” says Care and Share Executive Director, Carolina Diaz. “They represent care, investment, and the belief that our guests deserve the very best we can offer. That means a warm meal, a safe place to sleep, and a hot shower at the end of the day.”

A place of dignity and comfort

Located in the heart of Crookston, in view of the Red Lake River, Care and Share’s building has been home to many Minnesotans in need throughout the years. Carolina Diaz has led the organization for nearly two years, and says the community need has never been higher.

“We’re noticing a sharp increase in elderly and disabled individuals becoming newly unhoused,” she shares. “It’s heartbreaking. These are some of our most vulnerable community members, and the safety nets meant to protect them are disappearing.”

To meet these urgent, growing needs, Care and Share has opened the doors of its 100-year-old shelter to everyone they can. Yet, to keep providing these vital services, the building itself has also faced urgent needs.

In spring 2020, CERTs staff connected with Care and Share to learn about those needs and share opportunities to improve energy efficiency, comfort and safety. With help from a CERTs Seed Grant, the organization was able to replace windows and doors, repair the building’s leaky roof and cover boiler maintenance. These improvements made a big difference, but there was still work to be done.

“For our guests, something as simple as a hot shower can mean so much, it’s not just about hygiene, it’s about dignity, comfort, and feeling human again.”
 

- Carolina Diaz, executive director of Care and Share

“We were dealing with frequent hot water shortages, especially during our busiest shower times,” recalls Diaz. 

In 2024, Care and Share installed a new hot water heater with the help of an additional CERTs Seed Grant. Diaz says the impact of the new, energy efficient water heater has created ripples throughout the building.

Care and Share’s new energy efficient water heater.

“Our guests no longer have to worry about whether there will be warm water available. It brings a sense of stability and comfort in a time of great uncertainty,” she shares. “For our staff, it’s also been a huge relief. We can focus more of our time on caring for our guests, rather than managing maintenance issues. The energy efficiency element also means lower utility costs, which allows us to stretch our resources further, helping even more people.”

Building a sustainable shelter

Since launching in 1986, Care and Share has gained a reputation in the area for providing shelter to unhoused people. Yet the support goes far beyond providing a place to sleep. The organization strives to be a place where guests can heal, rebuild, and look toward the future. Diaz says Care and Share leadership is now applying that same vision to the organization itself.

“The recent sustainability upgrades, especially the new water heater, have sparked ongoing conversations and ideas for the future,” she shares. “It’s reminded us just how important these kinds of investments are, not only for the comfort and dignity of our guests, but for the long-term health of the organization as well.”

A new HVAC system, weatherproofing, improved insulation, LED lights, and solar panels are on the wish-list for future upgrades. Each project represents the possibility of lower electricity and maintenance costs.

“Every dollar saved is a dollar we can redirect toward food, services, and direct support for those we serve.”

- Carolina Diaz

“Beyond that, building a sustainable shelter sends a clear message. We care not just about today, but also about creating a better tomorrow for our guests, our community, and the planet we all share.”

With needs increasing and budgets under pressure, Diaz acknowledges that funding these projects will be a challenge. Still, she emphasizes that Care and Share remains committed to supporting the community today and into the future.

“I believe every person deserves the basics, shelter, food, safety, and support. But beyond that, they deserve to be reminded that they matter, that their story isn’t over, and that their presence in this world is needed.”

Project Snapshot

Clean Energy Focus: Energy Efficiency, Hot Water Heater Upgrade

Northwest CERTs Grant: $10,000

Other Funds Leveraged: Minnesota Department of Human Services

Energy Savings: 2,390 therms/year

Monetary Savings: $22,900 annually

People Reached and Involved: 350 people

Explore CERTs Seed Grants

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