HIBBING, Minn. (Northern News Now) – The Iron Range is home to more than 155,000 Minnesotans, and 52 of them may soon feel even more at home.

The Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency (AEOA) is opening additional space at its Home on the Range facility by the end of this month.

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This facility will be the largest 30-day emergency shelter north of the Twin Cities and the only refuge for victims of domestic violence in the Iron Range.

An emergency shelter with 12 beds has been in operation there since 1996, but due to limited space, around 1,000 people have to be turned away every year.

This new facility offers 52 additional beds with private rooms for people on a first come, first served basis.

“It’s really important that people get help not only with housing, it’s about more than just getting someone into housing,” said Angela Neal, Housing Resource Director for AEOA. “It’s about making sure they get all the services they need to be successful in finding housing.”

As a next project, AEOA plans to build a warehouse nearby in order to be able to make larger donations in the future and meet the needs of the residents.

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