Who We Serve

HOPE 4 Youth meets the needs of youth, ages 23 and under, who are experiencing homelessness in the north metro suburbs.

732

Youth Served

4,272

Visits to the Drop-In Center

5,509

Times Youth Accessed the Food Pantry,
Clothing Closet, or Ate a Hot Meal

Referrals to Housing
(Permanent, Transitional, Shelters)

134

Referrals to Employment
and Education Services

Visits to HOPE Clinic
(Opened October 2016)

Youth Living at
HOPE Place

*Statistics are based on 2016 data.

Issues that Homeless and At-Risk Youth Face

There’s no one-size-fits-all definition of 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. On any given night there more than 6,000 youth experiencing homelessness in the State of Minnesota (Wilder Research). These youth struggle 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. They struggle with finding healthcare to address their well-being.

Human Trafficking

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, “one in three young people are approached or recruited by a pimp or exploiter within the first 48 hours of being on the street.” 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 any 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, kids 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.