Our History
In late 2012, a series of news articles raised awareness of young people in Anoka County who were in need of basic resources. The stories were published during the coldest days of winter and sparked an immediate reaction from the public. Partnerships were formed, donations were collected and plans were made for HOPE 4 Youth, an organization to support at-risk young people.
In early 2013, doors opened to the HOPE 4 Youth Drop-In Center. In the early days, the center’s work focused mainly on basic needs support for youth experiencing homelessness in the north metro suburbs of the Twin Cities.
In late 2016, HOPE 4 Youth expanded work on long-term solutions to ending youth homelessness with the opening of HOPE Place, a transitional housing facility for 18- to 24-year-olds in need of a place to stay while rebuilding their lives.
Since then, HOPE 4 Youth’s outreach has expanded into nearby communities. Staff now works with people who have opened their homes to someone under 25 who is at risk for homelessness. The HOPE Homes program turns these couch-hopping situations into more structured agreements that are beneficial to the hosts and the young people who are living with them.
Funding for our programs and services comes from a variety of sources listed in our annual reports.
Our Milestones
2012
The inspiration
Brian Swanson, an Anoka County businessman, and Karrie Schaaf, the homeless youth & families liaison for the Anoka-Hennepin School District, meet for the first time to discuss how to help the young people in need of basic resources. Their vision, passion and drive laid the groundwork for HOPE 4 Youth.
2013
The doors open
HOPE 4 Youth’s Drop-In Center opens to youth facing homelessness on March 4.
2013
2014
Teamwork develops
HOPE 4 Youth forms a partnership with the Anoka WorkForce Center and begins community outreach with the StreetWorks Collaborative and YMCA.
2015
The mission expands
A building in Coon Rapids is purchased and will be remodeled into a transitional housing facility for youth experiencing homelessness.
2015
2016
A new era
HOPE 4 Youth’s transitional housing facility opens when 12 young people move into HOPE Place and begin to learn the skills needed to become independent, self-sufficient adults.
2017
Shopping for support
A new funding stream is created when Hope’s Closet, a retail boutique filled with donations and staffed by volunteers, opens to shoppers.
2017
2018
More housing options
HOPE 4 Youth receives a grant from the Pohlad Family
Foundation for the future HOPE Homes program.