june 13, 2025
Jenae Morgan, Resource Counselor for Catholic Charities Dorothy Day Place Campus, tells me,
"What I love about Downtown Saint Paul is how local everything feels. There are a ton of small businesses with real personality—places you actually want to support. And the walking trails, especially along The River, make it easy to step away from the city noise and just breathe for a bit. It’s a nice mix of urban and peaceful."
Jenae continues, "I think Downtown Saint Paul would be even better with more mom-and-pop shops that bring in local culture. Those kinds of places make the city feel more connected to the people who live here. Whether it’s food, art, or handmade stuff, local spots can really show off the culture and give people more reasons to hang out and explore Downtown."
Jenae tells me about her work with Catholic Charities,
“I’m the Resource Coordinator at the St. Paul Opportunity Center in Downtown Saint Paul. My nickname is the ‘mitochondria’ - the powerhouse of the cell - or ‘air traffic control'.”
“I act as a bridge, helping people navigate the often complex web of resources available in our community. I work with a diverse range of clients, from individuals experiencing homelessness to someone simply needing help with clothing resources for their growing child.“
Jenae continues,
“Downtown Saint Paul is a vibrant, but also rapidly changing, environment. Over the past few years, I’ve noticed an increase in the need for affordable housing, mental health services, and job training programs. Many of my clients are facing challenges related to economic instability, which has been exacerbated by recent events.”
“Therefore, my work involves staying informed about the evolving needs of the community and adapting our services to meet those needs effectively. In this role, I’ve noticed that community engagement means everything, and I think that starts with connecting folks and webbing them into the community - creating a vibrant community where folks thrive.”
Jenae looks ahead with optimism,
“To me, the future of Downtown Saint Paul looks like a place that’s full of life—where people actually want to spend time, not just work. I imagine more outdoor events, street festivals, live music, and community spaces where families and friends can gather, relax, and have fun. It should feel welcoming, creative, and connected.”
“As for my role, I see myself supporting that future by showing up—attending local events, supporting small businesses, and being an active part of the community. Even just spreading the word or inviting friends down can help build that energy and make Downtown a place where folks are excited to visit.”
Yes to community! Yes to welcoming, creative energy! A wonderful resource on what's happening this week and throughout the summer (and year!) is the Saint Paul Downtown Alliance's community calendar: https://growstpl.com/
Jenae❤️ Thank you for sharing your Saint Paul Story with the BAT Community. I hope we run into each other this summer while enjoying a Downtown event - We're all connected by a thread❤️🧵