HOPE 4 Youth meets the needs of youth, ages 23 and under, who are experiencing homelessness in our community.
446
Youth Served (Unduplicated)
4,087
Visits to the
Drop-In Center
6,222
Times Youth Accessed the Food Pantry, Clothing Closet or Ate a Hot Meal
137
Referrals to Housing
(Permanent, Transitional, or Shelters)
599
Referrals to Employment
and Education Services
101
Visits to HOPE Clinic
16
Youth Living
at HOPE Place
*
Statistics are based on 2017 data.
Issues that Homeless and At-Risk Youth Face
On any given night, there are more than 10,000 youth experiencing homelessness in the State of Minnesota (Wilder Research). There’s no one-size-fits-all definition of these young people who walk through our doors. We know that the majority of homeless youth have a history of trauma and often times long-term physical, emotional, and mental health issues. Others have been radically affected by a sudden change in family circumstances and must fend for themselves. These youth struggle also with numerous issues:
Housing
They do not have the means to obtain housing due to age, income, and other factors. Even though 42 percent of homeless youth are employed – 16 percent working full-time – they continue to remain homeless.
Physical and Mental Well-Being
As adolescents, homeless youth are still developing mentally, physically, and psychologically. Many of these young people have been physically abused, sexually abused, and neglected. As a result, 57 percent have a serious mental health illness and 36 percent have a chronic physical health condition.
Human Trafficking
Homeless youth are particularly susceptible to traffickers who will lure them with the promise of food, warmth, and even false love.
Foster Care
Each year, thousands of youth “age out” of foster care and have no means of support or services. Most of the youth are 18 years old and lack strong enough life skills to support themselves on their own. Compared to other youth, those out of foster care are more likely to not have completed high school and suffer from mental health problems. Many are unemployed and later become homeless.
