Minot Area Men’s Winter Refuge: Providing Shelter and Support to Men Experiencing Homelessness
The Minot Area Men’s Winter Refuge is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to serving men experiencing homelessness in the Minot, North Dakota area. Since opening its doors in 2013, the refuge has provided shelter and support to more than 2,000 men, helping them regain stability and dignity.
Originally starting in the winter of 2013-14 with men sleeping on air mattresses and sleeping bags, the refuge has grown into a comfortable, fully equipped house in southeast Minot. The facility features 12 beds across 4 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, a large kitchen and dining area, and a welcoming living room space. This transformation has been made possible through generous donations, grants, and community support from individuals, families, churches, businesses, service clubs, and foundations such as the City of Minot, Minot Area Community Foundation, Inspiritus Community Health Care Foundation, Otto Bremer Trust, Rural Community Grant Fund, North Dakota Community Foundation, and the Aggie Foundation.
Beyond providing winter shelter, the refuge offers year-round services, including:
Transportation assistance (bus/train tickets or gas) for men seeking shelter or family support elsewhere.
Free clothing for men in need.
Weekly transportation every Wednesday to a local food pantry.
To ensure a safe and supportive environment, all residents must have a photo ID, pass a background check, and remain 100% clean and sober each night. The refuge reserves the right to refuse service if these requirements are not met.
The refuge relies on the generosity of the community to continue its work. Most needed support includes financial donations, evening meals for residents, and overnight volunteers during winter months (7 p.m. to 5 a.m.).
For more information, or to refer someone in need, contact Executive Director Mike Zimmer at 701-822-2585 or winterrefuge@srt.com
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