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 17 young women and non-binary young adults (ages 18 - 24) who previously had neither. Among those we have served that have stayed six months or more and successfully completed our program, 100% have moved on to live independently.

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. This year we received 87 referrals for three spots. We are working to grow to be able to do more.
• Onward House residents can stay for up to two years; most stay for between 10-24 months.
• We've served 17 young women or non-binary young adults since opening our doors five years ago. 82% identify as BIPOC and many 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 post-secondary 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 an Onward resident, 

"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."

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

To find out more:

• Read some of our resident stories in our newsletters
• Visit our website.
• Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.