Neighborhood House: Helping immigrants and people in crisis for nearly 130 years

Neighborhood House was started in 1897 to help Jewish refugees escaping persecution in Russia. Nearly 130 years later, the St. Paul nonprofit continues to help immigrants, refugees and people in a transition or crisis.

During the federal immigration enforcement surge, it delivered food to more than 700 local families every week. Last year, it was the largest provider of emergency rental assistance funds in Ramsey County. It also runs leadership and English classes for adults, afterschool activities for youth and other programs.

Coming up at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, MPR News host Angela Davis talks with the president and CEO of Neighborhood House about the work of providing help — and hope — to neighbors in need.

And we want to hear from you, too.

Have you struggled to afford rent or food? What was that experience like? What helped you?

Call us during the 9 a.m. hour at 651-227-6000 or 800-242-2828. 

Guest:

• Janet Gracia is the president and CEO of Neighborhood House, a St. Paul nonprofit that serves nearly 10,000 households annually with food and housing support, family coaching, youth programs, English classes and other programs. She started the position in 2024 after working for nearly 30 years with Girl Scouts of Minnesota and Wisconsin River Valleys, including 15 years on the senior leadership team. She's a longtime resident of the West Side neighborhood in St. Paul.

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