ST. PAUL, MN - AUGUST 22: Craig Leipold, owner of the Minnesota Wild, welcomes Bill Guerin as the new general manager for the team at a press conference at Xcel Energy Center on August 22, 2019 in St. Paul, Minnesota.(Photo by Bruce Kluckhohn/NHLI via Getty Images)
BREAKING NEWS: Minnesota Wild Owner Craig Leipold Invests $8.7 Million to Convert Property Into Shelter for Homeless Youth and Widows
In a powerful act of community commitment, Minnesota Wild owner Craig Leipold has announced a groundbreaking initiative to support vulnerable populations in Minnesota. Leipold has personally invested $8.7 million to transform a large residential property into a state-of-the-art shelter for homeless youth and widows in need.
The property, located in a quiet neighborhood just outside downtown St. Paul, will be renovated into a fully equipped, multi-functional safe haven. The facility will offer not only housing, but also access to counseling services, job training programs, mental health support, and educational resources — all designed to help residents rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.
“This is about giving people a second chance,” Leipold said in a heartfelt statement. “Too many young people and widows fall through the cracks. If I have the ability to create a space where they can feel safe, supported, and empowered, then I have a responsibility to do it.”
The shelter, which is expected to be named “Leipold House of Hope,” will include private rooms, community kitchens, childcare support, and staff available around the clock. Local nonprofits and social workers will partner with the facility to ensure that every resident receives individualized care and a pathway to long-term stability.
City leaders and community organizations have praised the initiative as one of the most meaningful charitable investments the region has seen in years. “This is more than philanthropy — it’s leadership,” said Mayor Melvin Carter. “Craig Leipold is setting an example of what it means to care for your community beyond business or sports.”
Construction and renovations are expected to begin within the next two months, with the shelter aiming to open its doors by early next year. The project is privately funded, with no public money involved, reinforcing Leipold’s personal commitment to the cause.
For many Minnesotans, Leipold’s investment goes far beyond hockey. It’s a statement about the power of compassion and responsibility — and how those in positions of influence can make a life-changing difference when they choose to act. As the Wild prepare for a new season, their owner’s vision off the ice may prove just as inspiring.
