Temporary shelter for Drake Hotel residents closes

The temporary disaster shelter for residents displaced by the Drake Hotel fire on Dec. 25 closed Wednesday.

The shelter has been operated by the American Red Cross at First Covenant Church in Bloomington.

At a press conference Wednesday, Minneapolis, Hennepin County, American Red Cross and other community officials said community and government partners will continue to work with affected residents to help meet their immediate and long-term needs. Officials also said they've been working with those staying at the shelter over the past few weeks to make plans to secure transitional or long-term housing before the shelter closed.

Temporary shelter for former Drake Hotel residents to close Jan. 22

Nearly $440,000 has been distributed from the Minnesota Help — Drake Hotel Recovery Fund, according to officials, and about $250,000 of that was given to Pillsbury United Communities, which said it has spent the money on direct cash assistance, rental subsidies, rent/application fees and other items that residents needed to be replaced.

Two weeks ago, officials announced the plan to close the shelter on Jan 22 and said more than a dozen families had already moved out of temporary housing situations. All those who stayed at First Covenant Church have found a place to stay, according to the Red Cross.

The Christmas Day fire left about 250 people homeless.

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