Housing Access Center

The Damiano Center is a vital community resource in Duluth, MN, dedicated to serving individuals in need without judgment. As the largest emergency meal provider in Northeastern Minnesota and home to the largest free store in Duluth, it offers a range of supportive services, including children's programming and employment-related clothing assistance. Operating nine programs that provide assistance at no cost, the Damiano Center prioritizes accessibility by requiring little to no information from its guests. This cornerstone of the Duluth community responds to essential needs while fostering a spirit of compassion and support among its visitors. Generated from the website

Community gardening in Duluth started in 1977, with a loosely organized group of gardeners who wanted to grow healthy food for themselves and their families. Together they secured use of neighborhood lots on which to grow vegetables. In 1981, after four successful years of gardening and a burgeoning interest from the community, Duluth Community Garden Program (DCGP) was incorporated as a non-profit corporation. DCGP's mission is to strengthen community and foster self-sufficiency among the people of the Duluth area by providing access for all to food production and preservation resources and promoting sustainable gardening practices. Currently we have 17 sites, and over 200 plots of 20' by 20', that were utilized by 133 gardeners in 2010. These gardeners- individuals, families, and several small non-profit organizations -- rent their plots on a sliding fee scale, paying no more than their incomes allow. Plots are situated throughout the city. DCGP also serves the community through our Cannery and Kids Gardening Programs, both of which began in 1991. The Cannery provides canning education, information, recipes, equipment and jars to the community at no or very little cost, and Kids Gardening works with low-income children: teaching gardening, nutrition, and environmental awareness while encouraging teamwork.

Established in 1865, Lutheran Social Service is one of the largest, statewide, nonprofit social service agencies in Minnesota. Located in Duluth, Minn., the organization has a staff of more than 2,200 employees who serve in over 300 communities. It is owned by synods of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Lutheran Social Service offers a variety of services for children that includes adoption, counseling, housing and referral. The organization supports various prevention programs related to truancy, pregnancy, refugee transitions, violence and chemical abuse. In addition, it offers crisis nursery service that includes short-term care assistance for children up to 12 years. Lutheran Social Service provides financial counseling and bankruptcy assistance services. The organization serves as court-appointed guardian and conservator for individuals with disabilities.