Impact and Programs
Accomplishments
Impact during the FY23 fiscal year ending June 30, 2023: Avenues for Youth provided shelter, transitional housing, and holistic support to 284 youth, ages 16 to 24, who were experiencing homelessness. Of these, 86% youth identified as BIPOC, including 68% identifying as Black, 12% Multi-Racial and Other, 2% Asian, 2% American Indian, and 2% Latinx. An estimated 42% of youth identified as LGBTQI+. Over 65% of youth arrived from Hennepin County, 6% from Ramsey County, 10% from other counties of the Twin Cities and surrounding areas, and 19% unknown. The numbers of youth engaged by program were as follows: 82 youth in the Shelter and Transitional Living programs of Minneapolis Avenues; 33 youth in the Shelter and Transitional Living programs of Brooklyn Avenues; 71 youth in ConneQT supported through host homes, intensive supports, and/or outreach; 48 young parents and their children supported by the Young Families program; and 50 youth who received after care support.
Youth supported in FY23 achieved the following outcomes:
STABILITY: 78% of youth exited to safe and stable housing? ??
WELL-BEING: 90% of youth improved their well-being? ?
CONNECTIONS: 91% of youth developed supportive connections with caring adults and the community
SKILLS: 92% of youth gained life skills and wellness skills
The impact of Avenues’ programs is shown through individual youth success stories. Jay’s story below illustrates a youth experience in the transitional housing program:
Jay’s Story: “If someone were to tell me they were thinking of coming to Avenues, I would tell them it’s going to be a good fit.” Jay, a young person at Avenues recently said. “The culture is laid back and at your pace, but they will push for you to strive to be better and to do well in school and with work. Since being at Avenues, my relationship with staff has been real smooth. I can talk to them, and I know they will help me and have my back. Taylor helped me with my resume, Fred is a great person to talk to and get advice, Corey checks in and makes sure he is being helpful to me, and Rosie and Makeda push me to do better, and they’re goofy.” Jay shared that “since being at Avenues I have a better head on my shoulders, take care of business the way I need to, and get guidance as I become an adult.” Young people like Jay are leaving their mark on the world in a powerful way.
Current Goals
Avenues for Youth’s program goals/targets for the fiscal year 2024 (July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024) are as follows:
Support at least 300 young people, ages 16-24, who are experiencing homelessness.
Support youth in their progress toward outcomes, measured in the following four areas across programs: 70% of youth exit to safe and stable housing, 90% of youth report improved well-being, 80% of youth develop supportive connections with caring adults and the community, and 90% of youth gain life skills and wellness skills.
At least 90% of youth in transitional living programs will make progress on their self-identified goals.
Grow the Young Families program from 12 to 24 young families supported at a time.
Community or Constituency Served
Youth experiencing homelessness who are between the ages of 16 to 24 years old.
Geographic Area Served
Twin Cities Metropolitan Area (primarily Hennepin County).
