Our mission ...

to provide emergency shelter, short term housing and support services for homeless youth in a safe and nurturing environment.  Through such service, Avenues seeks to help youth achieve their personal goals and find a positive transition into young adulthood.

Homeless Youth Right Here in Minnesota!  (according to Wilder Research Studies)

• There are more than 550 to 650 homeless youth (ages 15-17) on any given night in MN.
• There are more than 1,300 homeless young adults (ages 18-21) on any given night in MN.
• 46% of homeless youth in MN were physically or sexually abused as a child.
• 62% of homeless youth in MN have a serious or chronic disability.
• 40% of homeless youth in MN identify as Gay/Lesbian/Bi/Transgender (National Gay/Lesbian Taskforce)

What Does Avenues Do to Help

Avenues for Homeless Youth has 15 beds available for emergency and/or short-term housing.  The youth ranging from ages 15-21, can stay at Avenues as long as he or she is working with a case managers on a life goal (education, employment, mental health, transitional housing, etc.).  Meals and basic needs supplies (clothes, hygiene products, bus fare, etc.) are provided for each youth in our program.

If Your Company Sponsors Avenues, the Recognition Opportunities Would Be:

• Avenues Corporate & Foundations Gift Club (with room to grow).
• Monthly E-newsletters.
• Printed quarterly newsletters.
• Website
• Plaque on Agency entrance

What Volunteer Opportunities are Available for Your Employees?

• Clothing and food drives
• Hosting meals (i.e.: BBQ’s, picnics, monthly dinner).
• Meal preparation and serving
• Volunteer receptionist, baker, handyperson, clothing closet organizer.
• Group gardening or cleaning.
• Host and activity (i.e.: game night, field trips, outdoor activities).
• Adopt a room in the house to clean up and revamp.
• Adopt a youth ( in kind donations) during the holiday season.
• Volunteering at events for Avenues for Homeless Youth.
• Serving on Avenues Board of Directors or the Marketing and Development committee.

What Volunteer Opportunities are Available for You or Your Groups?

• Clothing and food drives
• Hosting meals (i.e.: BBQ’s, picnics, monthly dinner).
• Meal preparation and serving
• Volunteer receptionist, baker, handyperson, clothing closet organizer.
• Group or individual gardening
• Group or individual house cleaning (sweep/mop floors, wash walls, wash windows, etc.)
• Host and activity (i.e.: game night, field trips, outdoor activities)
• Volunteer with the art group
• Create Avenues Flag for flag post in front yard
• Collect furniture & household items for a ‘Move Out Day’ Party
• Adopt a room in the house to clean up and revamp.
• Adopt a youth ( in kind donations) during the holiday season or birthday.
• Volunteering at events for Avenues for Homeless Youth.
• Serving on Avenues Board of Directors as a Director or Youth Director
• Serve on the Marketing and Development committee.
• Create your own volunteer position

Sponsor a Homeless Youth:

Youth who come to Avenues often arrive with only a small bag of personal items.

Provide a welcome kit of personal items, towels, a pillow and sheets.

Provide clothing or gift certificates for school or job.

Sponsor a birthday or other special celebrations.

Provide a special dinner.

 Adopt a Shelter Room:

Youth who come to Avenues need to feel like they are staying in a warm, loving environment.

Decorate and furnish one of the youth’s bedrooms.

Provide curtains, decorations and comfortable furniture for living areas.

Provide bean bag chairs, big pillows, throw rungs and books on meditations and healing for their counseling room.

 Adopt an Acitvity:

Youth who come to Avenues need to have something to do that helps them feel enjoyment and provides them with interaction with others.

Provide board games, puzzles, books and movies for activity nights

Provide a class or the supplies for a class – painting, sewing, drawing and crafts.

Provide recreation or exercise equipment.

Provide tickets to movies, theater or cultural events.

 To Find Out How To Contribute, Call Or Write:

Heather Rist, Development Coordinator

(612) 522-1690

heather@avenuesforyouth.org

Avenues for Homeless Youth

1708 Oak Park Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN 55411

(all contributions tax deductible)