Frequently Asked Questions

Please see the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions below. If you don't see the answer you are looking for here, please feel free to contact us.

Can I get space for free?
While we would like to be able to host events for free, all of the revenue we receive from room rentals goes directly to support our facility and the programming and mission of Neighborhood House.

Where does the money from rentals go?
All money collected through room rentals goes to support the facility, agency programs, and our mission.

Can I make a donation to Neighborhood House?
Neighborhood House welcomes and appreciates all donations. Please visit the Neighborhood House donations page by clicking here or on the “Donate” button that appears in the upper right portion of every page.

Do you offer discounts?
We do offer discounts for bulk bookings. In order to qualify, all bookings must be made at the same time and be for the same rental client. The discounts are as follows:

• $2,500-$4,999 – 10% off total space costs
• $5,000-$9,999 – 25% off total space costs
• $10,000+ -- 35% off total space costs

What rental rate do I qualify under?
For organizations, any registered non-profit, community organization, religious group, or political organization qualifies for the non-profit rate. All for-profit organizations fall under the for-profit rate.

For individuals, all persons residing in the 55107 zip code qualify for the local rate. All other persons are required to pay the non-local rate.

Where are you located and how do I get there?
Please see our Location and Directions page.

Can I bring in my own food?
Yes, Neighborhood House at Wellstone Center has no catering restrictions. Please feel free to bring in your own food or hire the catering company of your choosing. Please note, that the use of microwaves, hot plates, and other similar items is prohibited. To see our list of preferred vendors, please click here.

Can I have alcohol at my event?
Yes, there are stipulations, however. All alcohol events must be pre-approved by Neighborhood House at Wellstone Center and meet the following requirements:

• Only beer, wine, and champagne are to be served.

• All alcohol must be sold and distributed by a licensed liquor caterer on the city of Saint Paul's approved list (available upon request).

• One off-duty Saint Paul police officer must be hired at a cost of $160.00 for up to four hours and $40.00/hour for each hour afterwards. There must be one officer per 250 people in attendance and the officer(s) must be present the entire time alcohol is being served/consumed. All officers are arranged through Neighborhood House at Wellstone Center with the renter paying the officer(s) before the event.

• All alcohol service must cease at least half an hour before the end of the event.

Can my party go until 2:00 a.m.?
Unfortunately, Neighborhood House at Wellstone Center has a strict cutoff time of midnight. No event can go past this time.

What is the relationship between Neighborhood House and the Wellstone Center?
Wellstone Center is short for the Paul and Sheila Wellstone Center for Community Building, the facility that is the home of the non-profit organization Neighborhood House as well as El Rio Vista, a recreation center which is part of the City of St. Paul's Division of Parks and Recreation. Neighborhood House acts as the manager of the facility and handles all aspects of room rentals.

Is parking free?
Yes, parking in our attached ramp or on the surrounding streets is free. Please do not park behind the El Burrito Mercado building across the street as you will be towed.

Could you recommend a catering company, hotel, or other outside vendor for my event?
Certainly, please visit our preferred vendor page or contact us for more information.

Do you have linens, serving utensils, flatware, etc. available?
Unfortunately, Neighborhood House at Wellstone Center cannot provide any linens, serving utensils, flatware, etc. Please see our preferred vendor listing for linen options.

What kind of security does Neighborhood House at Wellstone Center provide?
Neighborhood House at Wellstone Center is staffed by at least two employees at all times when the building is open. The facility and grounds are monitored by numerous closed circuit security cameras. Additionally, there are several emergency call boxes in our parking ramp which are linked directly with our front desk. During non-business hours, the facility is also protected by an alarm system which is monitored 24 hours a day.

If at any time you feel your safety is in jeopardy while in our facility, please see a staff member at the front desk or dial 0 from any phone.