Youth Homelessness
There are approximately 932 youth and young adults aged 18-24 living in a state of homelessness or housing insecurity in Minnesota.
Our youth are our future, and they should never be left out in the cold. That’s why NMF and its partners are working to ensure any instance of youth homelessness is rare, brief, and non-recurring.
Making an impact
Earlier this year, NMF was awarded a $1 million grant from a private foundation to continue our important homelessness work and develop a system to end youth homelessness.
Youth Mitigation Fund
Providing homeless youth (under 25 years old) with additional insurance and support in the tenant application process.
Housing stability for youth
When youth can’t access stable housing they struggle in all areas of life. Without the security of home, they have difficulties with focus, staying in school, and feeling safe. Providing housing stability to a young person gives them a much better chance to have a strong start in life.
That’s why NMF is committed to providing systems-change to prevent and end youth homelessness throughout the region. Specific activities include sub-granting to agencies throughout Northwest Minnesota, refining data-driven objectives, and supporting the work of those with lived experiences of homelessness through the Youth Action Board and the Racial Equity Accountability Project. The primary goal of this program is to reduce the amount of time that a youth remains homeless.
A collaborative approach
Our program began just four years ago when community members were concerned about the homeless population in the Bemidji area as winter approached. NMF convened leaders from across the community to develop a collaborative plan of action. In all, more than 100 organizations signed on to be a part of the effort which resulted in building community awareness, funding daytime shelters, and increasing shelter capacities. And, most importantly, no one died that winter.
Today, NMF serves as the collaborative applicant for the Northwest Continuum of Care, a regional planning body that covers the 12 counties in Northwest Minnesota as well as three tribal nations: Red Lake, White Earth, and Leech Lake.
A system of change
An end to homelessness requires a systems-level response to prevent homelessness whenever possible and when it is occurring, make sure it is rare, brief, and non-recurring.
This means, we:
- Quickly identify and engage youth at risk of and experiencing homelessness
- If at risk, but not homeless, intervene to prevent the loss of housing and divert youth from entering the homeless services system
- If already homeless, provide immediate access to shelter and crisis services, without barriers to entry; and quickly connect youth to housing assistance and services tailored to their unique needs and strengths
- Help youth achieve and maintain stable housing
Are you or someone you know experiencing homelessness?
