Onward

Preventing homelessness. Nurturing independence.

Onward believes everyone deserves a safe, stable home. Many young adults in Minneapolis' southwest suburbs don't have this. We opened Eden Prairie-based Onward House in 2018 to provide a safe home and support to young adults experiencing homelessness or housing instability. 

Since opening our doors, we've provided stable housing and support to 22 young women and non-binary young adults (ages 18 - 24). Among those we have served that have stayed six months or more and successfully completed our program, 100% have transitioned into independent living.

Onward facts

• We can serve four young people at a time at our four-bedroom single-family home, Onward House.
• We see a need for services that is much greater than we have the capacity to meet. 
• Onward House residents can stay for up to two years.
• We've served 22 young women or non-binary young adults since opening our doors five years ago. More than 80% identify as BIPOC and more than half identify as LGBTQ+.
• We charge $300/month in rent so that residents can afford to invest time and money in their education, establish emergency savings and save for a deposit on an apartment. Half of the rent the residents pay each month is set aside for them and they can access it when they complete the program.
• All of our residents work and many pursue education. Some have earned degrees while living here.
• We provide ongoing case management to help the residents set and achieve personal goals related to their education, career, health, or life.

Having a safe, reliable place to sleep each night is transformational for young people who have often been couch hopping or sleeping in a car.

In the words of our residents:

• "If not for the safety, security, stability, and support I received at Onward, I wouldn't have been able to make this dream a reality." 
• “I am learning about myself and who I can be. I didn’t use to think about who I could be because I didn’t think I could be anything.”

Thank you for considering a gift to support local young people experiencing homelessness and housing instability.

To find out more:

• Read our blog 
• Visit our website.
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