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FAQs

Frequently asked questions

1. What are your rental hours?

Our building is available for rentals during the following hours:

  • • Monday–Friday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • • Saturday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  • • Sunday: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
  • 2. Can I tour the event spaces before booking?
    Yes! We'd be happy to show you our spaces. To schedule a tour, please call 651-789-2500 to make a room showing appointment. We gladly accept walk-ins, but we recommend calling ahead to make sure the rooms are available to view.
    3. How do I book a room or event space?
    Getting started is easy. Call 651-789-2500 or submit a request a quote online request a quote.
    4. Can you hold a date for me?
    Yes. We can place your requested date on hold for up to two weeks at no cost. To secure your reservation before the hold expires, you'll need to sign your rental agreement and pay the required deposit. If we do not receive both by the hold expiration date, the space will become available for other renters.
    5. How do I officially reserve my date?

    Your reservation is confirmed once we receive:

  • • A signed rental agreement
  • • A 50% deposit of the rental fee

      The remaining balance is due two weeks before your event.

      6. What is the cancellation policy?

      If you need to cancel your reservation, refunds are based on how far in advance you notify us.

      • 30 or more days before your event: 100% refund
      • 14–29 days before your event: 75% refund
      • 8–13 days before your event: 50% refund
      • 7 days or fewer before your event: No refund
        • Neighborhood House reserves the right to cancel events that conflict with Neighborhood House or Saint Paul Parks and Recreation policies.

        7. Can my event take place outside of normal building hours?

        Yes, with prior approval.

        Extended building hours are available for $100 per hour and must be arranged with Guest Services before your event.

        8. What is included with my room rental?

        Your rental includes use of the reserved space. Most meeting rooms also include:

      • • Tables and chairs
      • • Standard room setup
      • • Basic room amenities
        • Room setups vary by space. Custom room setups and additional equipment are available for an additional fee.

          9. Do you offer discounts?

          Yes. Discounts may be available depending on:

        • • The size of your event
        • • How often you rent
        • • Your total rental cost
          • Please contact Guest Services to learn more.

            10. Do nonprofits receive special pricing?
            Our rental rates were created with nonprofits in mind and are designed to provide affordable access for community organizations.
            12. Is Wi-Fi available?
            Yes. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the building. Passwords are available at the Welcome Desk.
            13. Do you provide audio/visual equipment?

            Yes. We offer a variety of A/V equipment, including:

          • • Projectors
          • • Projection screens
          • • Microphones
          • • Podiums
          • • Easels
          • • Flip charts
            • Rental fees may apply.

              14. How do I reserve A/V equipment?
              Please request A/V equipment at least 48 hours before your event to ensure availability. If your presentation requires more than a standard PowerPoint presentation and microphone, we recommend scheduling an A/V walkthrough with our Guest Services team before your event.
              15. Can I leave items overnight?
              Storage is generally not available. In some situations, arrangements may be made to leave items overnight at your own risk. Please contact Guest Services for details.
              16. Is security required?

              Security is required for:

            • • Events serving alcohol
            • • Events where additional security is deemed necessary for guests, the facility, or the neighborhood
              • Additional fees apply.

                17. Is a damage deposit required?

                Some events require a refundable damage deposit. If required:

              • • The deposit is due within 14 days of booking
              • • Cash and credit cards are accepted
              • • Credit cards are charged immediately
                • After your event, the deposit will be refunded within 10 business days, less any charges for damages, excessive cleaning, additional labor, or unpaid balances.

                  18. Do I need event insurance?
                  Usually not. However, Neighborhood House may require proof of liability insurance depending on the type of event.
                  19.Can I rearrange the room?
                  Yes. You may rearrange furniture during your event, but the room must be returned to its original setup before your reservation ends.
                  20. What are your decoration policies?

                  You're welcome to decorate your event space, provided decorations do not damage the facility. Please note:

                • • Only blue painter's tape or 3M Command™ products may be used
                • • Other adhesives are prohibited
                • • Glitter and confetti are not allowed
                • • Helium balloons must remain secured
                • • Mylar helium balloons are not permitted
                • • Open flames and burners are prohibited
                • • Fog, bubble, and foam machines are not allowed
                  • Renters are responsible for ensuring that decorators and caterers follow these policies.

                    21. Can I bring my own caterer?
                    Yes. You may use the caterer of your choice. Kitchen space is available for staging or food preparation for an additional fee. If you'd like recommendations, we can also provide a list of preferred caterers.
                    22. Can alcohol be served?

                    Yes, under specific requirements. Because the Wellstone Center is a City of Saint Paul facility:

                  • • Alcohol must be served by a licensed liquor caterer
                  • • Only beer, wine, and champagne may be served
                  • • A hosted bar is required (no cash bars)
                  • • Proof of liquor liability insurance is required
                  • • An off-duty Saint Paul Police Officer must be present during alcohol service
                    • The Wellstone Center will arrange the officer, and payment is made directly to the officer before the event. Please contact Guest Services for complete requirements.

                      23. Do you provide linens?
                      No. Renters are responsible for providing their own table linens.
                      24. When can I set up and clean up?
                      Setup and cleanup must take place during your reserved rental time. Your room will only be available during the hours listed on your reservation.
                      25. Is parking available?
                      Yes. Guests receive complimentary access to our attached parking ramp, which includes 165 free parking spaces.

                      Please fill out and submit the form below to contact us.

                      Valerie Dorschner | Early Childhood Instructor

                      Valerie has worked at Neighborhood House since 2004.

                      Valerie leads the Skills for School preschool program and is responsible for the curriculum. She has over 20 years of experience in early childhood working with parents and children, and has training and experience working with neurodiverse and dual language students.

                      • Valerie is a licensed teacher with a bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of St. Thomas.
                      • She holds licenses in elementary education and in early childhood education, and has several years of experience
                        teaching elementary school.

                      Valerie enjoys her free time with her five children and one grandchild.

                      Victoria Campoverde

                      Victoria Campoverde is the program manager of Neighborhood House’s Latino Leadership Program. She is originally from Peru and was a licensed high school teacher in her home country.

                      Her extensive experience within the education sector exemplifies her commitment to education and families.

                      • Currently, she serves as the Cultural Liaison between Columbia Heights School District and Anoka-Hennepin School District.
                      • In 2008 Victoria began working with The Amherst H. Wilder Foundation’s Latino Leadership Program on adapting their curriculum for the Latinx community. Since then, she has continued working in the Latino Leadership Program after its 2020 transition to Neighborhood House.
                      • Coauthor of Education: Our Best Legacy (EOBL), a school success program designed for parents or caregivers with one or more children in middle school. EOBL is part of the Partnering for School Success project (PSS) with the University of Minnesota’s Extension program.
                      • Lead teacher and Program Director at Joyce Preschool.
                      • A 25 on the Rise, Latino Leader recipient from the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in 2006.
                      • Facilitator with different Latino parent programs in the Twin Cities.
                      • President of Kuyayki Peru MN Cultural Association.

                      For Victoria it is important to value ones culture and cultivate ones heritage. She believes in the importance of empowering the community through her work with Neighborhood House and the Latino Leadership Program. During her free time Victoria enjoys dancing.

                      Winter / Spring Fresh Produce Distributions Events*

                      From November–May, all are welcome to come pick up a variety of free fruits and vegetables for family and friends. Distributions take place at Metro State University in St. Paul.

                      This event is held indoors. Masks are encouraged but not required.

                      During each event, we distribute approximately 3,000 pounds of food to approximately 75-100 families on average.

                      No documentation or identification is required to participate.

                      For additional questions about the Food Markets, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.

                      Event guideline and details: Our fresh produce events are open to everyone!

                      • Requirements: Nothing! You do not need identification to receive food.
                      • Recommendations: You may want to bring your own bags and a cart if you have one. On average, visitors will leave with approximately 40 pounds of fresh produce per event. 
                      • Registration: First-time visitors are required to register on site. The registration process will take 5-10 minutes to complete.
                      • Parking: You can park in the Metro State ramp parking for $5. Otherwise, street parking is available along 7th St. and Bates Avenue.

                      Wellstone Center | 179 Robie Street East, St. Paul, MN  55107

                       

                      Location

                      Metropolitan State University

                      (Student Center Room)
                      101 690 E 7th St
                      St. Paul, MN 55106

                      TIME – 2:30–4 P.M.

                      DATES – December 17, 2025 | January 14, 2026 | February 11, 2026 | March 11, 2026 | April 8, 2026 | May 13, 2026

                       

                      * Weather permitting – If there are thunderstorms or excessive heat warnings, we may cancel the event and / or events. For more information and event cancellation updates, please call (651) 789-3630.

                      For any other questions, please call (651)-789-3602.

                      Summer / Fall distributions* (Summer 2026)

                      From July to October, all are welcome to come pick up a variety of free fruits and vegetables for family and friends at our St. Paul locations. 

                      The distributions are held outdoors and are farmer’s market style. No documentation or identification is required to participate.

                      For additional questions about Food Support, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.

                      Event guideline and details: Our fresh produce events are open to everyone!

                      • Requirements: Nothing! You do not need identification to receive food.
                      • Recommendations: You may want to bring your own bags and a cart if you have one. On average, visitors will leave with approximately 40 pounds of fresh produce per event. 
                      • Registration: First-time visitors are required to register on site. The registration process will take 5-10 minutes to complete.
                      • Parking: You may park on the street at most of our locations. 
                       

                      Locations

                      The Wellstone Center

                      179 Robie Street
                      St. Paul, MN 55107

                      Dates

                      Every 2nd and 4th Thursday from July to October
                      Hours: 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

                      • 7/9
                      • 7/23
                      • 8/13
                      • 8/27
                      • 9/10
                      • 9/24
                      • 10/8
                      • 10/22

                      Neighborhood HOUSE ON MONTREAL

                      1080  Montreal Ave
                      St. Paul, MN 55116

                      Dates

                      Every 1st and 3rd Thursday from July to October
                      Hours: 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

                      • 7/2 – Canceled 
                      • 7/16 – Canceled
                      • 8/6
                      • 8/20
                      • 9/3
                      • 9/17
                      • 10/1
                      • 10/15

                      * Weather permitting. If there are thunderstorms or excessive heat warnings, we may cancel the event and / or events. For more information and event cancellation updates, please call (651) 789-3630.

                      For any other questions, please call (651)-789-3602.

                      Food Market Location

                      Francis Basket

                      1293 East Maynard Drive #410
                      St Paul, MN 55116
                      Phone: (651) 699-0986

                      Building Hours

                      Monday

                      9AM – 11:30AM

                      Tuesday & WEDNESDAYS

                      9AM – 11:30AM
                      1PM – 4PM

                      Highland / Sibley Manor

                      Food Market Location

                      The Wellstone Center

                      179 Robie Street
                      St. Paul, MN 55107
                      Phone: (651) 789-2500
                      Food Market Info: (651) 789-3630

                      Appointment Required

                      Make Appointment online: Click Here

                      Appointment Scheduling Hours

                      Monday – Friday

                      9:30AM–4PM

                      Operating Hours

                      Monday

                      TUESDAYFRIDAY

                      SATURDAY

                      • 1–4PM 
                      • 9:30–11:30AM
                      • 1–3:30PM

                      Closed Saturdays until 2026

                      Wellstone Center Food Market

                      St. Paul Music Academy

                      27 Geranium Avenue East
                      St Paul, MN 55117
                      Service Connect: (651) 789-3602

                      Building Hours

                      Monday – Friday

                      9AM – 4PM

                      St. Paul Music Academy

                      John A. Johnson Elementary

                      740 York Avenue
                      St Paul, MN 55106
                      Service Connect: (651) 789-3602

                      Building Hours

                      Monday – Friday

                      9AM – 4PM

                      John A. Johnson Elementary

                      Neighborhood House on Montreal

                      1080 Montreal Ave
                      St Paul, MN 55116
                      Service Connect: (651) 789-3602

                      Building Hours

                      Monday – Friday

                      9AM – 4PM

                      No appointment necessary

                      Operating Hours​

                      MONDAYWEDNESDAY

                      • 9:30–11:30AM
                      • 1–4PM
                      Neighborhood House on Montreal

                      Dayton's Bluff Elementary

                      262 Bates Avenue
                      St. Paul, MN 55106
                      Service Connect: (651) 789-3602

                      Building Hours

                      Monday – Friday

                      9AM – 4PM

                      Dayton's Bluff Elementary

                      Bruce Vento Elementary

                      409 Case Avenue East
                      St Paul, MN 55130
                      Service Connect: (651) 789-3602

                      Building Hours

                      Monday – Friday

                      9AM – 4PM

                      Bruce Vento Elementary

                      Main Campus

                      The Wellstone Center

                      179 Robie Street
                      St. Paul, MN 55107
                      Main Phone: (651) 789-2500
                      Service Connect: (651) 789-3602
                      Food Market Info: (651) 789-3630

                      Building Hours

                      Monday – Friday

                      8AM – 9PM

                      Saturday

                      8AM – 4PM

                      Sunday

                      NOON – 5PM

                      The Wellstone Center

                      Parking

                      The Wellstone Center Parking Ramp is located on the west side of the main building. The ramp has three levels with one elevator bank. Take the elevator to the first floor and follow the signs towards the information desk.
                      Parking is free.

                      Note: Building hours may be adjusted due to holidays, emergencies, program changes or weather. Check our website homepage and social media for possible building hour changes.