Frequently throughout 2025, space in these pages will be given to organizations working to end racial injustice across the state. We hope that these reflections spark policy changes for a more equitable Minnesota.
This week’s guest contributor is Beth Holger, a resident of the Camden Neighborhood and CEO of The Link.
Youth experiencing homelessness often go unnoticed in our community. These young people face immense hardship, struggle and trauma. At the same time, they are among the most insightful, strong, resilient and inspiring individuals I have ever met. I have the honor of working with youth experiencing homelessness and survivors of sex trafficking in North Minneapolis through The Link.
The Link is a youth- and adult-led nonprofit founded in 1991 by former Minnesota Vikings players Jim Marshall and Oscar Reed. The organization provides a variety of services, including emergency shelter and housing programs, for youth and young families experiencing homelessness, survivors of sex trafficking, and those involved in the juvenile justice system — or, as we call it, the “non-justice” system.
Racial disparities are evident among youth experiencing homelessness, those victimized by sex trafficking, and those involved in the juvenile justice system in our community, state, and across the country. In Minnesota on any given night, 4,872 youth experience homelessness. Of these, 70% are Black, Indigenous, Hispanic, or multiracial, compared to just 26% of the general youth population.
Additionally, 20-40% of youth experiencing homelessness identify as LGBTQ+, compared to 3-5% of the general youth population. These disparities are a direct result of historical and present-day systemic racism.
To truly reduce and ultimately end youth homelessness, we must address racism, reform our systems, and center youth leadership in the process. Fortunately, Minnesota has a plan to do just that through the state’s Homeless Youth Act. This legislation is a grassroots, community-based effort initiated by youth and youth workers — most of whom are people of color — to combat youth homelessness.
The Homeless Youth Act was first introduced in 1999 by a dedicated group of youth with lived experience and youth workers. Since then, we have worked tirelessly to secure its passage and expansion, with the ultimate goal of reducing youth homelessness to functional zero in Minnesota. The act provides inclusive definitions of “homeless youth” and “family,” establishes a continuum of services, and allocates funding for shelter and housing programs.
In the early years, changing the public and legislative narrative about youth experiencing homelessness was a challenge. Many policymakers initially believed these were “bad kids” running away from home rather than young people fleeing poverty, homelessness, exploitation, racism, oppression, abuse, or rejection due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.
It took persistent advocacy and education to shift this perception. Youth and youth workers repeatedly showed up at the State Capitol, learning the legislative process and demanding change.
Since 1999 we have returned year after year to advocate for increased funding. Over time, we built a coalition of youth-serving nonprofits, the Youth Services Network (YSN), to amplify our efforts.
In 2023 we achieved a breakthrough: Funding for the Homeless Youth Act was tripled to $41.5 million over two years. While this is a significant step, we estimate that $500 million per year is needed to fully address youth homelessness statewide.
Over the past two decades, this funding has allowed us to expand emergency shelters, housing programs, and services. As a result, Minnesota has seen a 17% reduction in youth homelessness since 2018.
The evidence is clear — investing in youth experiencing homelessness works. We see it firsthand in the lives of the young people we serve, and the data supports it.
Our work is far from over. We will continue expanding resources with youth leadership and input until every young person in Minnesota has a safe and stable place to call home.
If you are interested in joining the movement to reduce and end youth homelessness, reach out to The Link at www.thelinkmn.org.