july 10, 2025
Debra Viel, student working towards her bachelors degree and resident of Catholic Charities Dorothy Day Place Campus, opened her heart and home to me,
“What I love most about Downtown Saint Paul would have to the people. I was born and raised in Minnesota, but I never came to Saint Paul until 2019 and it was like moving to another country. The people here are genuinely kind and very giving. They are unlike any other people here in The Twin Cities. It was a very nice surprise when I realized that.”
Debra continues "I think Downtown Saint Paul could be better if they had some fast food options that are open beyond the 8-5 workday. And I know that Lunds and Byerly's just closed and that is unfortunate, because there just are no stores to get to, unless you hop on the train or the bus and travel to Midway or S Robert Street. It is very inconvenient, especially if you don't have a car. I think they forgot somewhere along the way that there are people who live down here beyond that 8-5, Monday thru Friday."
Debra talks about what's next, "I see Downtown slowly emerging from the pause that we were all put on during The Pandemic. Very slowly, but it is happening. I think if we give it some more time, I think it's gonna come back to life... Maybe we could use a few new shops and stores from companies that are willing to take the risk."
“For my role in the future of Downtown Saint Paul, I plan on moving out of the Dorothy Day Place very soon, which isn't to say that I won't be here, quite the opposite actually. My husband and I plan on playing a more active role with the homeless community. Doing as much as we can, those folks are our people and I can't just move and never look back…”
“I am so very grateful I was able to move into Dorothy Day Place, and I would never change that part of my life, even if by some act of God I was given the option to go back in time and change my life in some way, my journey here was meant to happen and that is why I am the person I am today.”
"One of my favorite spots downtown would have to be Lower Landing. It is where we spent a lot of time camping during The Pandemic. A place where I learned so much about myself and met some very interesting people. People I would never have met if not for becoming homeless and coming to Saint Paul... Lillydale would have to be the next favorite spot (not sure if that counts as Downtown). Our spot at Lillydale was where I got my groove back when it comes to my creative side and my obsession for drawing all the bridges of Downtown."
Debra explores how she can make a difference, "My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with Sophie and Colin Hortman. I truly admire the strength they’ve shown in the wake of their parents’ passing, who I believe are proudly watching over them from wherever they may be... Reflecting on how to respond to your question, I remembered an encounter with a gentleman experiencing homelessness—someone I'd seen almost daily over the past four years—and felt compelled to share it. Last year, while heading out to visit a friend, I stopped briefly to help my daughter outside. As I continued on through the neighborhood, a familiar voice called out to say hello. I smiled, waved, and returned the greeting. He beamed and said, “We miss you out here.” I told him I missed it too, and then he said something that stopped me in my tracks: “You are our sunshine out here."
“Those words touched me more deeply than I can explain. I’ve never tried to make a mark in my community—I’ve simply tried to make people feel seen and heard. But that one sentence made me feel like I mattered. It reminded me that even small gestures—a wave, a smile, a helping hand—carry incredible weight. That man’s name was Fred. He passed away not long ago from a fentanyl overdose. As I thought about him this morning, I realized that honoring his memory means embracing the truth behind Sophie and Colin’s message: the best way to remember those we’ve lost is to keep doing good. Not for applause, but because kindness is vital—and people need each other. I didn’t set out to make a difference, but somehow, I did. And that tells me it’s worth continuing.”
Thank You, Debra. I am so moved by your Saint Paul Story and the how your share yourself with your community. We're all connected by a thread, and in so many cases, hanging on by a thread. As you mentioned, kindness is vital. We can only be human together✨