Through These Eyes: Teen Homelessness Help
Statistics
– 1 out of 4 youth are kicked out or disowned by their biological families or caregivers when they come out as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender.
– Between 20-40% of the homeless youth population self-identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender vs. 3-5% of the general youth population in Minnesota.
– There are 2,500 unaccompanied homeless youth each night in Minnesota. This number represents a 49% increase in the number of homeless youth in Minnesota since 2006. Homeless youth are the largest growing sub-population of the homeless.
– 64% of homeless youth have had prior placement/involvement with the child welfare system. Nearly half (45%) of homeless youth self-report that they have been physically or sexually abused.
A Call to Action
They need your help. If you are interested in being part of the solution, please contact one of the charitable organizations below.
Avenues for Homeless Youth
What:
Provides emergency shelter and supportive services for homeless youth. Avenues also houses the GLBT Host Home Project, an initiative to place homeless LGBT youth with welcoming families in the Twin Cities.
Contact:
www.avenuesforyouth.org
(612) 522-1690
1708 Oak Park Ave N Minneapolis, MN 55411
The Bridge for Youth
What:
A shelter for homeless youth and runaways in the Twin Cities. Also assists youth with supportive services and transitional living. The Bridge serves over a thousand youth each year (ages 10-20).
Contact:
www.bridgeforyouth.org
(612) 377-8800
1111 West 22nd Street Minneapolis, MN 55405
Hope Street Homeless Shelter
What:
Shelter serving homeless youth with short-term emergency shelter and intensive case management services for youth aged 16-20. Staff assess the ability for reconciliation with family or placement with friends.
Contact:
www.cctwincities.org/hope_street_shelter.aspx
(612) 204-8211
1121 46th Street E Minneapolis, MN 55407
The Link
What:
Provides education, supportive housing, and social services to at-risk youth in the Twin Cities. Includes targeted programs for truancy, homelessness, and involvement in the juvenile legal system.
Contact:
www.thelinkmn.org
(612) 871-0748
United Way Arise Project
What:
United Way’s first GLBT-focused program. Supports programs for homeless youth.
Contact:
www.unitedwaytwincities.org/giving_communities/arise_project/
