Behind Compassion Coffee’s Fight To End Homelessness in Anoka

By Mark Callender

Hello, my name is Mark Callender and I am a licensed real estate agent with RE/MAX Results. Because I have been helping families buy and sell their homes for more than 18 years, I am now helping their children to buy their first homes and their parents to downsize. No matter the direction you’re moving, my goal is to make the process as calm and enjoyable as it can be.

Who’d have thought that a simple cup of coffee has the power to impact people’s lives and their local community? When you walk into Compassion Coffee, you quickly realize it’s more than just a café. It’s a place where coffee, connection, and care come together in Anoka. I recently sat down with founder Rob Bergfalk to hear the story behind it all.

What inspired Compassion Coffee? Back in 2018, Rob kept seeing news stories about growing homeless camps in Minneapolis. He felt something needed to be done. That calling led him to start Compassion Church, which carried a vision beyond Sunday services. The dream was to create a coffeehouse that could be a safe space and a source of hope for people affected by homelessness.

Getting started wasn’t easy. Opening a cafe takes money, planning, and trust. Rob started small with a coffee cart, unsure if the idea would ever grow. But one step at a time, it did. By late 2023, Compassion Coffee opened its doors in Anoka.

Why Anoka? At first, downtown Minneapolis seemed like the obvious location. But when the team discovered the need in Anoka, right by programs like Stepping Stone Emergency Housing, Hope 4 Youth, and Family Promise, it became clear this was the right community to serve.

How has the community responded? The response has been heartwarming. In their first few months, neighbors showed strong support. Like any small business, winter brought challenges, but then a surprise TikTok video went viral, tripling foot traffic overnight. Still, Rob says the real strength comes not from social media buzz, but from the relationships they’ve built with the community.

Are there any local partnerships? Compassion Coffee partners with local bakeries for fresh goods and connects with nonprofits serving different age groups affected by homelessness. Adults, teens, and families alike have found support through this web of partnerships. More than the coffee, many found a sense of belonging in this place.

What are some of the most rewarding moments since Compassion Coffee started? For Rob and his team, one of the greatest joys has been seeing a long-time employee, once affected by homelessness, grow alongside the business.

But it’s also the daily moments: someone warming up with a hot drink, a neighbor finding a safe spot on the couch, or staff pointing someone toward helpful resources.

For Anoka homeowners, stories like this are more than feel-good tales. They remind us of the power of local businesses and what happens when vision meets action. When you buy a latte here, you’re not just supporting a café; you’re helping build a stronger, more caring community.

So next time you’re in Anoka, stop by Compassion Coffee. Grab a cup, meet the people, and be part of a story that’s still being written.

In real estate, we often focus on numbers and market trends, but community matters too. If you have any questions about real estate, feel free to reach out. Contact me at (612) 961-9448 or Mark@MarkCallenderHomes.com. I’m here to help!