Esperanza United

About Esperanza United

Esperanza United represents over 40 years of Latina-led activism and community care in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Originally founded in 1982 as Casa de Esperanza by a small group of persevering Latinas who opened an emergency shelter, the organization has evolved into a comprehensive national force while maintaining deep roots in its Minnesota community. Today, Esperanza United carries forward its founding vision of creating communities rooted in honor and respect, where Latinas, their families, and communities worldwide recognize gender-based violence and act collectively to end it. The organization's commitment extends beyond crisis response to address the interconnected barriers facing Latin@ communities, including racial justice and decolonization work. Esperanza United operates from the belief that all people have inherent human rights—including the right to live free from oppression and violence—and that advancing racial and gender justice are inseparable endeavors. This values-driven approach shapes how Esperanza United partners with the broader Saint Paul community and service providers, ensuring culturally responsive advocacy that honors community strengths and wisdom. The organization's recent consolidation of Casa de Esperanza's Minnesota services with the National Latin@ Network for Healthy Families and Communities created a high-functioning, comprehensive organization capable of serving both local and national needs. For Saint Paul residents facing domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, or stalking, Esperanza United offers bilingual support grounded in decades of lived experience and community expertise.

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