Every month, we partner with a local nonprofit to collect donations through rounding up at the register. This month, our Change Matters partner is YouthLink.
Did you know that on any given night in Minnesota, more than 1300 young people are experiencing homelessness?
WHAT IS YOUTHLINK?
YouthLink is a Minneapolis nonprofit that has worked to support young people going through homelessness for over 45 years.
youthlink’s mission
The mission at YouthLink is to support and empower youth on their journey to self-reliance using a whole person, strengths-based approach.
what are youthlink’s programs?
A young person’s journey with YouthLink often starts with a meal in the Drop In Center in downtown Minneapolis. In 2024 alone, they assisted 2,924 youth at the center. Also called the “Opportunity Center,” the center provides basic needs like a shower and a hot meal, employment resources, access to mental and physical health services, including a regular support group, and connections to supportive housing. Through the Opportunity Center, YouthLink works with aligned community partners, like Wedge Co-ops, to provide resources to young people when they need them most.
one-stop-shop model
Whether it’s a solid meal or a visit to the clothes or hygiene closet, YouthLink aims to support young people by meeting them where they’re at. Providing all these resources in one location diminishes transportation and schedule barriers that can often get in the way of people reaching the help they need. Through this one-stop-shop model, YouthLink effectively delivers resources that genuinely change lives. Their outreach team also shares referrals and resources with unhoused youth at encampments or other sites throughout Minneapolis. Additionally, YouthLink operates two supportive housing complexes in downtown Minneapolis, for a combined total of 88 units. Case Managers are onsite to build connections with tenants and share resources- like job opportunities, mental, and chemical health care. Rental assistance and eviction prevention education are also included in their programming. YouthLink empowers youth experiencing homelessness to achieve food and housing security, long-term stability and wellbeing- from their first step in the door.
connect with youthlink
Want to get involved? Find out more at youthlinkmn.org
Follow them on social @YouthLinkMN
Read their blog
Want to support their work? See volunteer opportunities here, or donate here.
Or, attend their Stand Up for Youth Breakfast on September 15th!
Tickets and info HERE.