Housing
YouthLink can help you access housing, whether you are looking for a shelter bed for the night or a long-term solution.
Finding housing options
At the drop-in center, staff can help you:
- Find shelter options for single men, women, parents, and minors (YouthLink does not have shelter beds onsite.)
- Fill out housing applications
- Access local housing programs (Coordinated Entry System assessor onsite)
- Find financial help to avoid eviction or access security deposit or rental assistance
Community Resources
Find a shelter bed
You can call the Hennepin County Shelter hotline at 612-204-8200 for shelter availability.
The Youth Services Network (YSN) updates their website with shelter beds available for young people (24 years and younger) in the Twin Cities.
Access long-term housing programs
The Hennepin County Coordinated Entry System (CES) matches individuals to local housing programs. YouthLink’s housing programs are by CES referral only. YouthLink staff can help you navigate this system.
24/7 Support
If you are a young person needing a trusted, compassionate person who will listen and help you create a plan, call or text the National Runaway Safeline.
YouthLink Housing Programs
For YouthLink housing programs, you must get a referral through Hennepin County’s Coordinated Entry System. YouthLink staff can help you with the Coordinated Entry process. Visit the Drop-In Center for a Coordinated Entry Assessment.
Supportive Housing
YouthLink provides supportive services for two housing complexes with a combined 88 units- Downtown View and Nicollet Square. This housing is for ages 18-25. Onsite services include case management, food pantry, resident programming, counseling, and help finding employment. The goal is that once youth leave, they will transition to housing destinations that match their long-term needs.
Scattered-Site Housing
In these programs, YouthLink provides rental assistance and case management to young people. A housing case manager helps their clients find housing in the community. The goal is that young people will build independence and long-term housing stability.
