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Avenues for Youth wants homelessness to be rare, brief, and non-recurring.

For 30 years, we have provided youth ages 16 to 24 with safe shelter, pathways to stable housing, and holistic support that honors their identities and helps them live lives of joy and purpose.

Despite our successful track record, our current space in Minneapolis is not adequate to meet the critical housing and support needs of today’s youth. As a result, our programming outcomes lag behind those from our other site despite similarities in the youth population. To address this urgent need, Avenues will construct a new site at 1404 North 8th Avenue, Minneapolis, which is where we can increase the number of young people supported by Avenues from 300 to 500 annually as well as increase the successful exit rate into stable housing.

Meeting a deep community need

Each night in Minnesota, over 4,000 youth experience homelessness. As a state, we do not have anywhere near enough beds to keep all youth safely housed.

The Twin Cities has one of the worst housing shortages in the nation, and youth who come to Avenues seldom can afford market-rate rent. Extensive research and community input reinforce a critical need for more housing options for youth experiencing homelessness, especially in North Minneapolis.

A new North Minneapolis home will position Avenues to meet the growing needs of the youth in our community. This dignified, safe, trauma-informed space will demonstrate to young people that they are loved and valued.

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HOOO Sidebar
Front Entry at the Corner of Humboldt and Eighth
Front Entry at the Corner of Humboldt and Eighth
Rear Courtyard
Entry Lobby for Youth, Administration and Community
Youth Living Spaces
Youth Bedroom
Youth Studio Apartment
Funding for this project is provided by Hennepin County Environmental Response Fund and the City of Minneapolis, Metropolitan Council Metropolitan Livable Communities Fund and the City of Minneapolis, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, and Minnesota Department of Human Services.

Impact of the New Space

“[Avenues] allows me to feel like I have a home, like I can be comfortable, not have to think about my next move. Like, my gosh, what’s going to happen now? I can be comfortable, like 100% comfortable in my own space.”

— Dakiya, former youth of Brooklyn Avenues

“We need to invest in organizations like Avenues because they recognize that while shelter does save lives, housing is what ends homelessness.”

— Cathy ten Broeke, Assistant Commissioner and Executive Director, Minnesota Interagency Council on Homelessness

“We knew immediately we wanted to partner with Avenues in this new phase of growth that will bring life-changing experiences for youth in our community.”

— Gail and Bob Buuck, A Home of Our Own lead-gift donors

"We are delighted that Avenues will be our new neighbor and look forward to all the youth that will flourish through its many services. We support and believe in its mission."

— Jason Schuck and Christopher Wasilensky, neighbor of Minneapolis

“As we embark upon this campaign to provide life-changing housing and support for youth, we invite you to join us in showing up for the young people in our community.”

— Alexis Kantor, Campaign Co-Chair
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Download the Capacity Campaign Brochure
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