Construction underway for Chum expansion project

DULUTH, Minn. — The Chum Shelter and Drop-in Center expansion project is officially underway.

A brief ceremony was held Wednesday to mark the start of construction as keys to the building were handed over to Johnson Wilson Constructors, Inc.

$10 million in funding from federal and state sources was secured in 2022, enabling the project.

The shelter currently accommodates more than 125 people every night. The new facility will provide double the number of beds and add around 13,000 square feet to the building.

Along with a larger capacity, the expansion allows more services at the shelter.

“The design meets all ADA standards and will include an elevator providing access to each of its three floors. This building will bring Duluth one step closer to having the capacity to temporarily shelter anyone who is unhoused, for what we lack now is capacity,” John Cole, Chum Executive Director said.

The project is expected to take around a year to complete.

Meanwhile Chum’s Overnight Shelter and Drop-In Center has moved to the Damiano centers third floor during construction.