Breaking Barriers: Helping Youth Overcome Employment Challenges
For young people experiencing homelessness, finding and maintaining employment is often an uphill battle. The challenges they face go beyond just submitting applications—they include systemic barriers such as limited access to technology and professional networks, and lack of transportation, formal education, or job experience. At YouthLink, we understand that stable employment is a key factor in achieving long-term stability. Through our dedicated case managers, partnerships, and workforce development programs, we are working to eliminate these barriers and support young people as they explore and build successful careers.
Common Barriers to Employment for Youth Experiencing Homelessness
Natalie Beyer, Workfast and Career Coach at YouthLink’s Nicollet Square supportive housing, has seen firsthand the difficulties youth face when seeking employment. She notes that some of the most common challenges include:
- Lack of education – Due to the instability of not having a safe or steady place to sleep at night, many youth accessing YouthLink services have not completed high school or obtained a GED, making it harder to qualify for jobs.
- Transportation Barriers – Without knowledge of public transit or a driver’s license, getting to work can be a major hurdle. Additionally, many job openings in the suburbs are not easily accessible via public transportation.
- No resume or job readiness skills – Because they are just entering the workforce, many youth don’t have experience with job applications, interviews, and workplace expectations.
- Limited access to technology – Without reliable internet or a computer, it can be difficult to apply for jobs, respond to employers, or attend virtual interviews.
- Stigma of homelessness – Young people who are unstably housed may face bias from employers who assume they are unreliable.
YouthLink’s Workfast Program: A Pathway to Employment
The Workfast program is designed to help youth overcome these barriers by providing hands-on work experience, skill-building opportunities, and financial support. “Workfast allows youth to develop essential job skills—like time management and interpersonal communication—while also earning income to maintain stable housing,” explains Natalie. Through this internship-based model, young people can gain experience in a supportive environment while preparing for long-term employment.
YouthLink also partners with organizations like Hired and Goodwill-Easter Seals, offering onsite career training, job placement services, and GED preparation through our Youth Opportunity Center. This wraparound approach ensures that youth receive the comprehensive support they need to succeed in the workforce.
Overcoming Barriers: Iyanna’s Story
Iyanna is one young woman whose journey and hard work exemplifies the successes of the Workfast program. Iyanna interned at Wendy’s House of Soul through Workfast. “While in the internship program, Iyanna decided she wanted to go to college—something no one in her family had done before,” Natalie shares. “She didn’t know where to start, so I helped her with her college application, FAFSA, and even took her on a campus tour.”
Balancing school and work has been challenging, but with the flexibility and support provided by the Workfast program, Iyanna completed her first semester of college while gaining valuable job skills and financial stability. “Without the internship, Iyanna wouldn’t have been able to start her college career. Now, she feels much more confident in her employment abilities.”
How Businesses and the Community Can Help
Employers and community members play a crucial role in helping youth overcome employment barriers. As Natalie emphasizes, young people are often looking for guidance to develop soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. “People don’t know what they don’t know! Teaching young people these skills can make a world of difference,” she says.
Here’s how businesses and individuals can get involved:
- Offer mentorship and job training – Providing internships, apprenticeships, or hands-on training opportunities helps youth build experience and confidence.
- Hire young people with lived experience – Employers can make a direct impact by offering jobs to youth experiencing homelessness and providing a supportive work environment.
- Support career development programs – Businesses can partner with YouthLink’s Workfast Program to provide young people the opportunity to learn soft skills, explore a career, and become more financially stable.
- Join YouthLink’s Job Fair – Businesses looking to make a direct impact can participate in YouthLink’s Job Fair on April 24th, providing young people with employment opportunities, networking, and career guidance.
By investing in young people and partnering with them to remove barriers to employment, together we can help youth build a future filled with stability and opportunity. If you or your organization are interested in mentoring or employing youth, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out to YouthLink today at 612-252-1200 to support career development programs and participate in YouthLink’s upcoming job fair!
