A youth’s first visit to YouthLink When a young person comes to YouthLink’s Drop-In Center for the first time, they’re usually carrying more than just a backpack. They might be running on no sleep after a night in a car. Their phone might be dead, their stomach empty, their mind racing with questions: Where am…
At YouthLink, we believe that leadership should reflect the communities we serve. As a Black-led, youth-centered organization, our commitment to equity isn’t just a value—it’s a lived practice. With 93% of the youth who come through our doors identifying as BIPOC, it matters deeply that our leadership understands their journeys firsthand. Our CEO, Rich Melzer,…
At YouthLink’s Drop-In Center in downtown Minneapolis, young people experiencing homelessness can walk in for a hot meal, a shower, a clean outfit, a mental health appointment—and a doctor’s visit. Operated by Hennepin County’s Health Care for the Homeless (HCH) program, YouthLink’s onsite clinic is an essential part of the “one-stop-shop” model we’ve built to…
Mental Health Awareness Month At YouthLink, we know that supporting mental health is essential for youth experiencing homelessness. The journey to stability involves more than a roof overhead. It’s about healing from trauma, building trust, and navigating systems that are often confusing and intimidating. The reality is, accessing mental health care is not always simple—especially…
This spring, YouthLink stands at a crucial crossroads. In nearly 50 years in operation, we have faced numerous economic and societal challenges, but this moment is like nothing we have seen before, and we urgently need your help. There is good news, and we’ll get to that in a minute, but with looming reductions in…
Preventing homelessness before it starts is one of the most powerful ways to create lasting stability for young people in our community. Experiencing homelessness is profoundly traumatic and can disrupt a young person’s ability to work, go to school, and build a stable future. Preventing homelessness starts with building trust and providing the right resources…
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…
At YouthLink, we know that youth experiencing homelessness need more than just a place to sleep. They need resources that empower them, opportunities that inspire them, and a community that sees them for who they truly are. That’s why YouthLink’s Drop-In Center is a one-stop shop—offering everything from meals and mental health services to employment…
As the year draws to a close and we gather with loved ones to celebrate the holiday season, it’s a time to reflect on the importance of family, connection, and community. For many of the youth we serve these vital support systems can be missing—but they find them here at YouthLink. YouthLink is often a…
You can provide joy to young people experiencing or transitioning out of homelessness this holiday season. YouthLink’s annual holiday party will be on Thursday, December 12, 2024. Last year, 125 young people received gifts for themselves and their children through our Santa Shop. With more youth seeking services this year, we are expecting this year’s…