At YouthLink, our number one priority is empowering youth to shape their futures by providing a safe, supportive, respectful and responsive community.

But, in order to do that, we need to make sure your basic needs are being met first. The following are common questions, concerns and issues we hear from youth every day. We hope these resources help—and guide your way to self-sufficiency and a way off the streets.

The Crisis Connection is available 24 hours a day at 612.379.6363.

Do you need a place to sleep?

Contact YouthLink at 612.252.1200 (find more information on YouthLink’s services in the Intervention Services section) or the following Hennepin County after-hours shelter/Youth Shelters:

Shelter Numbers

Ain Dah Yung: 651.227.4184
Avenues: 612.522.1690
The Bridge: 612.377.8800
Hope Street: 612.204.8211
LSS Safe House: 651.644.3446
LSS Life Haven: 651.776.9805
YMCA Point Northwest Host Home: 763.535.4800

What if I need help and YouthLink is closed?

If you are feeling suicidal or homicidal and do not feel that you can keep yourself or others safe, please get help immediately through:

Hennepin County

Call the Community Outreach for Psychiatric Emergencies team (COPE) at 612.596.1223 (Adult Contact Number) or 612.348.2233 (Youth 17 and under).

Visit the Hennepin County Medical Center – Acute Psychiatric Services (APS) at:

701 Park Ave S
Mpls, MN 55415
P: 612.873.2222 (Suicide Hotline)

Or, if you are not near Hennepin County Medical Center, please visit the nearest local hospital.

What services can I access through the Youth Opportunity Center at YouthLink?

Click here for a calendar of services.

Where else can I hang out that is safe?

Hard Times Café: 612.341.9261
Bus Lines 16 and 5 run all night
The Uptown bus shelter is open all night and is heated

How do I know if I’m eligible for:

Drop-In and case management services?

• 16 or older and before your 21st birthday
• Homeless or precariously housed (couch-hopping or staying in a local shelter)

My GED?

• Same requirements as for drop-in and case management services; if you are not age-eligible or are not homeless/precariously housed we can refer you to other GED programs.

What are some other free things to do in town?

Minnehaha Falls
Como Zoo
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Centers
Movies in the Park (Mondays in Loring Park)
Minneapolis Institute of Arts (MIA)
Concerts at the Lake Harriet Band Shell
Music and dancing on Thursday nights at Parque Castillo on Saint Paul’s West Side
Thursday evenings (5-9 p.m.) at the Walker Art Center

Are there any places that specialize in resources for LGBT youth?

Trans Youth Support Network – www.transyouthsupportnetwork.org