Winona Planning Commission Approves 24-Hour Catholic Charities Shelter at St. Paul's Episcopal Church

The Winona Planning Commission approved a 24-hour, 25-bed shelter at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on Monday.

The decision grants Catholic Charities of Southern Minnesota the conditional use permit required to expand its services, moving from daytime-only operations to a full 24-hour model. This approval follows a two-year search for a permanent location after the organization left its former downtown site and transitioned to a temporary overnight setup at Wesley United Methodist Church.

“The goal is to provide more than a bed for the night but to help people experiencing homelessness find stable housing and connect with support services,” Catholic Charities Executive Director John Meyers told commission members, Winona Post reported.

Local property owners have scrutinized the project, citing concerns about its immediate impact on the surrounding neighborhood. While supporters view the shelter as a critical intervention for a vulnerable population, nearby residents argued that the proximity of the facility could lead to increased crime and property issues.

Neighborhood concerns and security measures

Local property owners Dave Pringle and Dave Thurston testified during the public comment period, detailing specific incidents they linked to the presence of unhoused individuals in the area. Pringle, who owns a building directly behind the church, reported instances of trespassing, people sitting on neighboring steps, a tent located beneath a deck, and damage to security cameras.

“I know the individuals traveled to and from the shelter through the Parkview property,” Thurston said, noting that his Parkview Apartments share an alley with the proposed shelter site. He specifically cited documented cases of public urination, disturbances, and trespassing.

Thurston also questioned the timeline for security infrastructure, pointing out a discrepancy between a staff report recommending fence installation within three months and a draft resolution that allowed for a one-year window. In response, Catholic Charities Shelter Manager Kevin Philipp explained that the timeline for the fencing and asphalt work depends on weather conditions and contractor availability.

To mitigate these issues, the city and Catholic Charities have proposed several structural and operational changes:

The main entrance will be relocated from the alley to Lafayette Street to prevent congregation near residential properties.
Fencing will be installed along the western portion of the property to discourage gathering near neighboring homes.
A management plan requires a 24-hour neighborhood communication response and a quarterly neighborhood advisory group.
A “good neighbor agreement” must be reviewed every six months.

Philipp said that the enclosed outdoor area is intended to function as a designated space rather than a location for drug or alcohol use.

Residents Weigh Social Services Against Property Rights

The debate in Winona highlights a recurring tension in urban planning: the balance between providing essential social services and protecting the property rights and perceived safety of established residents. For proponents, the cost of inaction is measured in human lives.

“I would like to dial down the fear and concerns,” said Dr. Sarah Jane O’Shea, a local resident and planned volunteer. She reminded the commission that Winonans had died after freezing outside during the previous winter.

John Spinillo, a priest at St. Paul’s, framed the shelter as a moral and civic necessity. He told commissioners that when communities invest in vulnerable populations, those communities do better, describing the effort as a core part of the church’s mission.

The approval process for the site was a multi-step progression. The City Council previously approved a comprehensive plan map amendment in August and a rezoning from multi-family residential (R-3) to a mixed-use downtown fringe in October to facilitate overnight stays.

Em Shepardson, a member of the steering committee that searched for a location, said that 16 different sites were explored before the group selected St. Paul’s. She said that she had witnessed individuals successfully transition into housing through the services already offered at the church.

Planning Commission Approves Permit with Oversight Requirements

The Planning Commission’s vote in favor of the permit was not unanimous. Seven members voted in favor, while two members, Dale Boettcher and Brian Buelow, abstained due to personal or professional ties to St. Paul’s.

Moving forward, Catholic Charities is subject to strict oversight to ensure the shelter adheres to its management promises. The organization is required to maintain records of all complaints and corrective actions, providing public summaries to the community. They must also submit an annual report to the Planning Commission by May 31.

Before the 24-hour operations can officially begin, the organization must complete all necessary building improvements and pass inspections to meet local fire and building codes.

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