Shelter With a Cause: Open Your Heart

 St. Paul Couple Turns Airbnb into a Lifeline for the Homeless

For many Airbnb hosts, renting out unused space is a way to earn extra income. However, for Vicki and Roger of St. Paul, MN, their third-story apartment became a beacon of hope for those in need.

Passionate advocates for the unhoused, Vicki and Roger dedicate their free time to volunteering with organizations like Habitat for Humanity. Roger also serves on the board of Open Your Heart to the Hungry and Homeless, a local non-profit supporting food and shelter providers across Minnesota.

Inspired by stories of Minnesotans renting their homes to out-of-state football fans during Super Bowl LII, Roger saw a new opportunity. Their turn-of-the-century home near Grand and Dale in St. Paul features a 1,000-square-foot third-story apartment with its own entrance, kitchen, bathroom, and fireplace. Despite giving up his occasional “man-cave,” Roger and Vicki decided to use this space to raise funds for the unhoused.

Since then, the couple has donated all Airbnb revenue to Open Your Heart. This past fall, they have contributed an astounding $100,000! This venture not only allows them to give back but also to meet guests from around the world, including Massachusetts, Texas, Oregon, Wisconsin, Florida, Kuwait, Guam, and more.

Dubbed “Shelter with a Cause” on Airbnb, their space rents for just over $100 a night. This amount can provide school supplies for four homeless students, bedding and towels for women at a domestic violence shelter, or winter survival gear for two unhoused youths.

If you’re interested in supporting Open Your Heart with proceeds through your own short-term rental, contact [email protected]. Vicki and Roger are eager to share their experiences. To stay at their St. Paul home, visit their Airbnb listing.