Avenues for Youth

For 27 years Avenues for Youth has been partnering with youth experiencing homelessness. What we are most proud of at Avenues is the true feeling that we are so much more than just a “shelter,” while the youth are with us they are home. Avenues gives meaning to home through countless moments of connection created by our program staff that demonstrate acceptance and appreciation.   

Earlier this year while at Minneapolis Avenues, a young person was talking on their phone and said “No, I haven’t left yet, I’m still at home.” This casual line and the sentiment behind is beautiful. It's what we want every young person at Avenues to feel, that while they are with us that they are at home. Whether a young person needs someplace to stay for just one night, or a year and a half, Avenues supports youth out of homelessness. We do that by providing a stable home, building trusting relationships, and navigating the youth’s education, career, health and wellness and housing goals.

"I felt safe with everyone, I still feel safe with everyone. It is weird to have adults in your life that care about you."  - Angel, a former Avenues participant

About:

Our programs support youth in Minnesota who are 16-24 years old, and their children, who are experiencing homelessness. Avenues for Youth operates an emergency shelter, transitional housing, rapid-rehousing, and host homes. Avenues' work is guided by the 9 Evidence-based, Guiding Principles to Help Youth Overcome Homeless and our core values: equity, community, respect and dignity, trust, liberation and anti-oppression.

There are over 4,800 youth experiencing homelessness every night in Minnesota. Every youth at Avenues finds the comfort of home through the supports sponsored by the community, from mental and physical wellness to all basic needs. Because of this and the incredible holistic support from program staff, 71% of the youth in Avenues' programs exit to stable housing!

A gift to Avenues could provide support such as:

• $25 = cover a month worth of bus passes
• $50 = a winter coat
• $75 = warm and comfy bedding
• $100 = fresh socks, underwear, and clothes
• $200 = food costs for one youth for a month
• $500 = helps keeps heat on and water running
• $1,000 = on-site, no-barrier mental health and healthcare support 
• $5,000 = support finding jobs, housing, and educational pathways
• The safety and comfort of home = priceless

When you give to Avenues, you help make it a home. Together, we can make a difference in our community! Thank you, for supporting us.