Mission Statement
The Bridge for Youth centers youth voice, justice, and equity in all we do, and empowers youth experiencing homelessness through safe shelter, basic needs, and healthy relationships.
Impact and Programs
Accomplishments
The Bridge is a critical resource for youth and families, available 24/7/365, directly accessible with or without a referral. The Bridge is the largest emergency shelter for youth (ages 10-17) in Hennepin County, the only emergency shelter in Minnesota for pregnant/parenting youth and their children, and the only site-based transitional living program in Hennepin County specifically for pregnant/parenting youth and their children. Comprehensive programming at The Bridge empowers youth to set individual goals to stabilize current crises and supports family reunification when safe and possible.
In FY22, 11,430 youth engaged in programs at The Bridge. Amongst these youth, 98% received housing stability support through outreach, prevention, and intervention services, while 2% participated in shelter/housing programs. Of the 281 youth in shelter/housing programs, 70% exited to a safe living situation, 99% had a personalized case plan, 78% were in school and/or working, 87% reported at least one supportive adult to whom they could turn to for support, and 97% of parenting youth participated in parenting and healthcare education.
Current Goals
The Bridge for Youth is a critical resource for youth experiencing homelessness, available 24/7/365, accessible with or without a referral. The Bridge is the largest emergency shelter for youth in Hennepin County, the only emergency shelter in Minnesota for pregnant/parenting youth and their children, and the only site-based transitional living program in Hennepin County specifically for pregnant/parenting youth. Comprehensive programming empowers youth to set individual goals to stabilize current crises and supports family reunification when safe and possible, including:
FY24 Program Goals
7,000 youth experiencing or at-risk of experiencing homelessness will be engaged with Outreach & Support Services program to address immediate needs related to housing stability, safety, and health and wellness.
The Bridge for Youth will provide emergency and transitional housing to 305 youth.
74% of youth will exit to emergency shelter to safe and stable housing.
55% of youth will be successfully reunited with family because it’s safe and/or possible.
85% of youth report having a positive relationship with a caring adult.
80% of youth will be engaged in holistic health and wellness services, including direct care and referrals. (including internal/ external healthcare/mental healthcare providers/ resources for dental care/ and connecting youth to supportive services i.e. benefits)
80% of the youth with age groups between 10-17 years in emergency shelter program will attend school
54% of the youth with age groups between 16-21 years in transitional living program will be successfully employed by the program exit
80 % of pregnant and parenting youth will be engaged in parenting education
95% youth will make progress toward personal goals
Community or Constituency Served
Runaway and homeless youth (including youth in crisis, eg. at risk of running or violence, pregnant/parenting teens, parents/youth in conflict, sexually-exploited youth) and their families.
Geographic Area Served
Twin Cities, 9 County Metro, and Greater Minnesota.
