Foundation History
Foundation History
Formed in 1881 with generous donations from civic-minded women who banded together to meet an unmet need, Stevens Square has a long history of responding to people in need. It was first founded as the Children’s Home Society to provide a home for children orphaned or displaced by the typhoid epidemic which struck Minneapolis in that year.
Not long after, it became known as the Home for Children and Aged Women to reflect its expanded mission. Both populations were accommodated at the facility until 1935 when it was determined that there was no longer a need for children’s lodging given the widespread use of foster care.
Formed in 1881 with generous donations from civic-minded women who banded together to meet an unmet need, Stevens Square has a long history of responding to people in need. It was first founded as the Children’s Home Society to provide a home for children orphaned or displaced by the typhoid epidemic which struck Minneapolis in that year.
Not long after, it became known as the Home for Children and Aged Women to reflect its expanded mission. Both populations were accommodated at the facility until 1935 when it was determined that there was no longer a need for children’s lodging given the widespread use of foster care.
Later known as Stevens Square, it was the 7th charitable organization created in Minnesota. From 1935 to 2004, Stevens Square continued to provide shelter to an increasingly frail, older population. During the final decade of its operation, the cost of caring for the Home’s residents rose sharply while government reimbursement declined or remained static.
Stevens Square Foundation, which had been established to support the Stevens Square Home, was called upon to give ever increasing amounts to subsidize the operating deficit. It became evident to the Board that the endowment funds would soon be exhausted. In 2004, the Board decided to close the facility because it was financially unable to maintain the historic level of service at the Home. Until the closing of its nursing home in 2004, Stevens Square had been in operation for 125 years as a direct service organization.
Later known as Stevens Square, it was the 7th charitable organization created in Minnesota. From 1935 to 2004, Stevens Square continued to provide shelter to an increasingly frail, older population. During the final decade of its operation, the cost of caring for the Home’s residents rose sharply while government reimbursement declined or remained static.
Stevens Square Foundation, which had been established to support the Stevens Square Home, was called upon to give ever increasing amounts to subsidize the operating deficit. It became evident to the Board that the endowment funds would soon be exhausted. In 2004, the Board decided to close the facility because it was financially unable to maintain the historic level of service at the Home. Until the closing of its nursing home in 2004, Stevens Square had been in operation for 125 years as a direct service organization.
318 West 48th Street Minneapolis, MN 55419
Call Us: (612) 825-1368
Email Us:
318 West 48th Street
Minneapolis, MN 55419
Call Us: (612) 825-1368
Email Us: