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To the Avenues Community
Dear Friends -
When a young person moves into an Avenues program, our first order of business is their safety and stability. We want them out of harm's way. We want them to stop worrying about basic needs. We want them to be able to take a breath and get to know us...and, sooner or later, begin to build a trusting relationship with us.
When that happens (and only when that happens), young people who've been homeless can begin to move "from surviving to thriving." They can start to think about a future and possibilities. It's never easy. After all, our youth face lots of barriers. But when they start to talk about their personal goals, it's magical.
While in our programs, Avenues' youth pursue their education, think about careers, search for jobs, start to address health and relationship issues. They also (we hope) have a bit of fun and take advantage of some youth empowerment activities.
This is our focus at Avenues -- to make it possible for youth who've been homeless to become thriving young adults. What we do is not inexpensive. But, given the returns for the youth and the community, we know it is a worthy investment.
Sincerely,
Deborah Loon, Executive Director
dloon@avenuesforyouth.org I 612-844-2002
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Shelter and Services Now in Palm of (Homeless) Youths' Hands
This is what hundreds of Twin Cities youth experience every day...they don't have a stable place to call home and are searching for a safe bed and help. They call shelter after shelter looking for a place to stay. The next day is the same: call after call, using precious phone minutes.
 But what if there was an easier way to connect youth to the vital resources they need, like shelter, outreach workers, drop-in resource centers and food? What if they could view shelter bed availability in real-time?
Enter YSNMN.org. The Youth Services Network (YSN), a collaboration of nonprofit organizations supporting homeless youth in the Twin Cities, has developed a web-based application to simplify how homeless youth and their advocates search for shelter beds and other supports.
YSNMN.org shows all the youth-specific shelters in the Twin Cities - where beds are available, phone numbers, and the bus route to take to get to the shelter via geo-location functionality. Youth and their advocates may even sign up to receive text or email notification when a bed becomes available.
The site also provides:
- Locations and hours of drop-in centers where youth can connect with resources and supports.
- Access to the street and school outreach workers in each county by just clicking on the phone number provided for the workers.
- Location and hours of other critical services, including teen clinics and youth food shelves.
"Quick access to support is everything for homeless youth," according to Deborah Loon, executive director at Avenues for Homeless Youth. "The harsh reality for youth on the streets is that they will be approached within 48 hours by someone seeking to exploit them. The YSN web application fills a big void in our network. It uses youth-friendly applications to give them much faster access to life-saving supports."
YSNMN.org will provide data to YSN and policymakers to help determine the size and scope of the homeless youth problem and make decisions about where to expand services.
The app can be found at Apple or Google Play stores for free download. For more information, visit www.ysnmn.org.
KSTP - TV's Joe Augustine recently spoke with Avenues' Executive Director, Deborah Loon, and Minneapolis Avenues Program Supervisor, Elaine Woods, about the new web application. Click here to watch the segment. For more on YSNMN.org, see also an article by Bring Me The News.
YSNMN.org is a project of the Youth Services Network, whose members include Ain Dah Yung Center, Avenues for Homeless Youth, The Bridge for Youth, Face to Face, Hope 4 Youth, Hope Street Catholic Charities, The Link, Lutheran Social Services, Oasis for Youth, Salvation Army Booth Brown House, Streetworks Collaborative, Teens Alone, YMCA Youth Intervention Services and YouthLink.
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Avenues Youth Go Camping / Glamping!
 This is what 'glamping' looks like! Kelly Brazil, our GLBT Host Home Program case manager, and seven young people connected to the program recently went "glamour camping!" Bob and John, current hosts in the program, graciously let the group use their lake cabin. Kelly's initial plan was to go tent camping, but (much to our surprise) the youth preferred this idea instead! There were a few rustic moments though, as the group spent many hours around a bonfire cooking meals, talking about their dreams and having a great time. We would like to extend a big THANKS to Bob and John for opening their cabin to the GLBT Host Home Program.
And this August, 20 youth from Brooklyn Avenues and  Minneapolis Avenues will jump on a bus for Camp New Hope, on the edge of Savannah State Forest near McGregor MN. At the camp, youth will enjoy water activities, such as canoeing on Glacier Lake, and try out empowering, team-building exercises like the low ropes course. Staff and youth are getting excited to go! This adventure is made possible by a grant from the Youth Philanthropy Fund of the Minneapolis Foundation and its 612 Youth Engagement Project.
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Host Highlight: Claire Wilson
Claire Wilson has been a host in the GLBT Host Home Program two times over the years. Today, Claire serves on the program's Advisory Council. She was a Humphrey Public Policy Fellow at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs 2013-14 and now is the Executive Director of the Minnesota Association of Community Mental Health Programs. Claire earned her BA from Bowdoin College and is a board member for PFund (the LGBT community foundation) and Kids Voting Minneapolis. Claire's passions include cross country skiing, visiting all the MN state parks, and advocating for social justice.
How did you learn about the GLBT Host Home Program?
I knew of people in the community who had hosted.
What made you decide to become a host?
I attended an information session where I was immediately moved by the youth-focused orientation of the program. I loved the grassroots nature of the program and that this was truly community assisting community. My final decision came at the host training, when a panel of former youth shared their experience with the Host Home Program. Hearing their stories and recognizing the power of the program to transform the lives of both hosts and youth, well, I was completely sold.
What was it like first meeting the youth you hosted?
I don't think I have ever been as nervous before a meeting. It was like a first date x 1,000. I was so concerned about whether or not the youth would "like" me or like my home. And of course, I was wrapped up in my own preconceived notions around what it meant to experience homelessness and how that would translate into a youth's orientation to the world in general. Of course, the second I met my youth, all my preconceived notions immediately fell to pieces. We were just two humans meeting for the first time and I immediately knew that we were going to be o.k. I think the fact that the youth gets to pick you gives the entire process so much integrity. As far as I am concerned, the youth are far wiser than almost anyone else, and they know what they are looking for; it makes the entire experience far more likely to "work." I knew from the moment of our meeting that we were going to be a good host/youth match. And we were!
What was the experience of being a host like?
It has been one of the most profound experiences of my life. It was an opportunity to build a lasting relationship that was rooted in the trust and mutual understanding that comes from living together. It takes so much strength to negotiate the boundaries of daily living, and to do that with a relative stranger takes so much courage, on the part of both individuals. It was never easy. It was never without challenge. But, it was never without joy. The experience went far beyond just the sharing of basic resources; it became a chance to share a bit of this journey with another being and to watch them grow and become even more themselves was one of the greatest gifts I have been given.
Were there any difficulties that were overcome?
Of course! There are always difficulties when two people are living together, sharing resources together, and negotiating the complicated world of privilege. There were multiple times when my youth was frustrated with me and times when rules were broken and boundaries challenged. There were also many times when I was wrong, and I had to admit and work with my youth to resolve the conflict. But we overcame these conflicts through a shared commitment to communication (and maybe just a few sleepless nights!)
How did the experience change you?
The question might be how did the experience not change me? It was transformative to be a small part of a youth's journey. I got to have my heart opened to multiple experiences, I got to see my own resiliency in the face of challenge and to see the courage of the youth in the face of challenge. I became a better negotiator, a better listener, and a more open human being. I also came to fully realize the power of the community.
What advice would you give a new host?
Take a deep breathe. Be aware of the baggage and privilege you are bringing to the table. And buckle your seat belt. It's gonna be an awesome ride!
Interested in learning more about our three host home programs? For the GLBT Host Home Program, contact Rocki Simoes at 612-844-2006 or rsimoes@avenuesforyouth.org. For the Minneapolis and Suburban Host Home Programs, contact Ryan Berg at 612-844-2014 or rberg@avenuesforyouth.org.
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Is a young person crashing at your home (or a friend's home)? Call us if you need help supporting that youth.
Avenues' three Host Home Programs train and support adult volunteers who are willing to host, or are already informally hosting, a young person in their home.
If you would like additional information about the Minneapolis & Suburban Host Home Programs, contact Ryan Berg at 612-844-2014 or rberg@avenuesforyouth.org.
For information about the GLBT Host Home Program, contact Rocki Simões at 612-968-8771 or 612-844-2006 or rsimoes@avenuesforyouth.org.
This three-minute video shows the difference a host home can make for a homeless young person!
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Click on this video to learn more about Avenues for Homeless Youth
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Connect With Us
Avenues for Homeless Youth
1708 Oak Park Avenue North
Minneapolis, MN 55411
612.522.1690 phone I 612.522.1633 fax
If you would like to make a donation or volunteer, please contact Melissa Peterson via email or at 612-844-2005.
Visit us online: www.avenuesforyouth.org
Facebook and Twitter
 
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Job Opening: Finance and Administration Coordinator
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Julia O'Brien and Phil Binns join Avenues' Team
Avenues is honored to introduce two recent additions to its team -- Julia O'Brien and Phil Binns. Julia comes on board as our Donor Engagement Manager, working primarily with individual, business and civic supporters. Phil joins Avenues as its Community Resources Coordinator with responsibility for securing in-kind donations, recruiting volunteers, donor correspondence and managing the donor database.
Julia O'Brien brings years of nonprofit experience as a fundraiser and board member. Previous development positions include The Link and Achieve Minneapolis. Julia began her career in investments and was a VP for Wells Fargo before she shifted to the nonprofit sector. She has a BA in History from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and an MBA from St. Thomas University. Julia can be reached at 612-844-2012 or jobrien@avenuesforyouth.org.
Phil Binns grew up in North Minneapolis and is a proud alumnus of North High School, the Public Allies-AmeriCorps Program and the Trio Upward Bound Program. Phil earned his Bachelors of Science in Youth Research and Development from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities in 2013. He most recently was a Youth Program Specialist for the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board, where he designed dynamic programs for urban youth. Connect with Phil at 612-844-1217 or pbinns@avenuesforyouth.org.
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Save the Date -- Minneapolis Avenues Open House September 24
 Avenues will host its annual open house for the community on September 24 at Minneapolis Avenues, our North Minneapolis program. Plan to stop by between 3:30 and 6:30 pm for a tour by youth and staff, and to visit with Board members.
The address is 1708 Oak Park Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN 55411. Snacks and refreshments will be served. We look forward to welcoming you and telling you more about Avenues. For more information, contact Melissa at mpeterson@avenuesforyouth.org.
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Interested in Becoming a Board Member of Avenues?
The Governance Committee of Avenues' Board of Directors is currently recruiting and interviewing individuals interested in Board service. Annual elections are held in October for two-year Board terms. To learn more, contact Deb Loon, Executive Director, at dloon@avenuesforyouth.org.
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Thank You, Recent Donors!
Organizational Donors
Adath Jeshurun Congregation, Alerus Mortgage, AmazonSmile, Ameriprise Financial, Borenstein & McVeigh "BAM" Law Office LLC, Brooklyn Park Lady Lions Club, College Admissions Training, LLC, Cuppa Java, ECMC GO! Program, Education Minnesota - Osseo, Jungle Red Salon, KPMG LLP, Lampert Lumber, LHB Minneapolis, Medtronic Inc., Minnesota Association for Justice, Minnetonka High School,
Nook & Cranny Concierge
Otto Bremer Foundation, Painting Pro's Inc, Peace-Shalom Foundation, Quota International of Minneapolis Inc., Robertson Law Office LLC, Thrivent Choice, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, Union Pacific Fund for Effective Government, UnitedHealth Group, Verizon, Voya Financial, Youth Philanthropy Fund of The Minneapolis Foundation
Individual Donors
Sharon P. Aadalen, Tina M. Ackermann, Stephen Adolfson, Linda A. Albertson, Patricia S. Allyn, Matthew Alspach, Debbi D. & David J. Anderson, Eric L. Anderson Fund of The Minneapolis Foundation, Jennifer Anderson & Steve Piekarski, Anonymous, Ceasar Archuleta, Cynthia Arends, Kojo S. Baafi, Kara & Eric Balcerzak, Linda M. Beck, Lisa Bender, Joseph Beranek, Laura B. Black, Paul Blom & Bob White, Natalie Boisvert, Jeffrey Bores, Alison Bowers, Deborah Bowers, Jules Bowersox, Robert Brandt & Rich Seaver, Jill Breckenridge & John Fenn, Steven Breton, Rick Brimacomb, Tina Broberg, Amie B. Bruneau, Sheldon Bryant, Cristin Burnett, Anne M. Bydlon, Mary Bydlon
Timothy Cariolano, Rachelle Chase, Pamela & John H. Cheney, Mandy Clemenson, David & Laura Clements, Elizabeth Coco, Valentina Contreras, Susan Crabtree, Leilani Crosby, Camille Curley, Sue Cyronek, Sherry Daehn, Elizabeth Dalal, Shelley Des Islets, Jenna M. Diem, Jean Marie Ebrahimi, Jack El-Aai, Brandon Elliott, Evan Engesether, Patricia Eriksen, Jonathan Fazio, Matthew Ferrara, Sue & David Finstrom, Peter M. Fischer, Melissa Fisher
Caren E. F. & Steven T. Gallagher, Susan Gang, Amy Gaston, Monica Granados, Geraldyne E. & Michael R. Greve, Thomas W. Greve, Theresa Griep, David Groenheim, Brenda Grundhofer, Ryan Guenveur, Heidi Guetzkow, Lynn M. & Michael O. Hagen, Kyle Hamilton, Nick Hara, Rachelle Haroldson, Paul Harstad, Jamie Heimer, Andy Hein, Jeff Heine, Diane Helgeson & Dean Osterman, Angela Hendrick, Becky & Peter W. Hespen, Kirstin Hibbard, Richard J. Hilber, Phillip Hill, Sheila Hoch, Joe Hoeschen, Leonard Hoffman, Brenda Hofschild, Kathy Holladay, David J. Hornung, Mark Hostetter, Teresa Howard
Greg Idelkope, Brooke L. Israel, Megan Israel, Tammy Israel, Jason Iwasko, Matthew Jaffe, Jenny Javitch, Mark Richardson & Barbara Jo Jeanetta, Andrea Johnson, Daniel Jones, Heidi Kadlec, Liane Kevorkian, Laurie Kienberger, Lydia Kihm, Sean Kinsella, William Kittelson, Sandy Koessler, Richard Koniar, Crystal Kory, Ross E. Kramer, Richmond H. Kroll, Brenda Kruse, Kevin Kruse, Braden Kuznia, Deb S. Lande, John Lang, Jackie Lantry, Chuck Larson, Charles & Anne Leck, Melinda J. C. Lee, Abby Lindeman, Tom D. Lindquist, Judy Lissick, Ann Lofgren, Julie Ludowese
Mitchell Marks, Tracey McCoy, Timothy McKenna, Ellen McVeigh, Rhoda Mead, Calvin Mertz, Laurie Mikkonen, Jason Moore, Brady Moss, ReNae Murphy, Marie Nagel, David Nelson, Geraldine M. Nelson, James Nelson, Laurie Niblick, Kate Nilan & Chris Vaughn-Uding, Arlene E. & Timothy J. Niles, Ezekiel D. Ojo, Joseph K. & Julienne Oppong, Naomi Oshiro, Brandon Otto, Sandra H. Overland, Doris Pagelkopf, Daniel Palmer, Lana M. Park, Gerald Pelofske, Chuck Peterson, Jason Peterson, Kenneth Peterson, Brady Pettis, Julianne Pierson, Julie M. Pink
Mary Raeker-Rebek, Melissa J. Rajewski, Kristin Rantala, Grace Ray, Resilient Youth, Debbie Reynolds, Renee Rhodman, Kim Ries, Lori Riley, Robin Ritter, Emily Robertson, Jay Roble, Sam & Rachel Rosen, Mary E. & David A. Ross, Paige Rudnick, Michael Russell, Tina Sabby, Dave Sausen, Julie A. & Jeffrey A. Scheerer, Megan Schletty, Kaitlynn Schmitz, Jason Schuck, Patrick Schwartz, Taunya L. Schwimmer, Ross Scott, Miriam Seidenfeld, Lori Jo Selman, Paul Settle, David Simmer, Mahandra Singh, Alison R. Sipkins, Claudia P. Slovacek, Eoin Small, Chris Smith, Melinda Staff, Julie Steen, Scott Steen, Patricia Strong, Karen Stuhlfeier, John L. Sullivan Fund of The Minneapolis Foundation
Bobby Tarnowski, Pamela Taylor-Berry, Mary B. Thomas, Brandon J. Thompson, Joshua Tucker, Heather Van Hove, Tom Vance, Rachel A. & Jonathan A. Veenker, Erika Wachholz, Hope Walcheski, John & Jessica Waller, John T. Wangaard, Rashena Warren, Evan Weiner, Claire Wilson & Maria Kaefer, Anthony S. Winer, Anna Youngerman, Roberta Ziegler
Brooklyn Avenues Donors
Ashley Adegeye, Ameriprise Financial, Anonymous, Champlin Park High School, Miranda Christenson, Crossroads Alliance Church, Discover Church, Sonya Fehn, Merna Kingsley, Rachel & Jared Morey, The Nadeau Family, Osseo United Methodist Church, Our Savior's Church, The Church of St. Joseph the Worker
GLBT Host Home Program Donors
20% Theatre Company Twin Cities, Robert Anderson, Anonymous, Kelly Brazil, Matthew Crockett, Full Spectrum of Winona State University, Imperial Court of Minnesota, Ryan Maddux, Ryan McGuire Grimes, Caroline Rowland, John D. Schmidt, Tim Zehta
Tributes in Celebration
Marriage of Cody Miller and Landon Thomas --
Claudia P. Slovacek
Tributes in Honor
All Homeless Children -- Patricia S. Allyn
Tributes in Memory
Mallory Hicks -- Miles for Mallory/Project Insight
Carl Lindgren -- Linda A. Albertson
Michelle Poons -- Anonymous, Mark Allen/Allen Property Services, Margaret Holm, Steve Maus, Lindsay Stepp, Mary Jo Stepp
In-Kind Donors
Angel Quilters-The Church of St. Joseph the Worker, Anonymous, Angelica Birch, Denise Blackwell, Sherry Boike, Nan Brown, Champlin United Methodist Church, Valentina Contreras, Joe Deschler, Family of God Lutheran Church, Rachel Garton, Girl Scout Troop #13618, Girl Scout Troop #14661, Girl Scout Troop #15241, Terry Good, Harriet Bishop Elementary School, Hirshfield's Uptown, Human Rights Campaign , Intermediate School District 917, ISD 279-Osseo Area Schools
Megan Israel, Alyssa Johnson Paquette, Randall Kingsbury, Steven Landberg, Darnelle Landis, Maple Grove Park and Recreation, Marie G. Meyer, Minnetonka Gender & Sexuality Alliance, Minnetonka High School, Osseo Maple Grove American Legion Auxiliary, Brenda Reeves, Dorothy Rogers, Trevor Simmons, Chris Smith, St. Croix Preparatory Academy, Lyle D. Steinfeldt, The Church of St. Gerard, The Real Housewives of Saint Paul
Volunteers
Roxanne Anderson, Anthony Bates, Sara Blood, Jon Brandon, Angie Brown, Samantha Brown, Greg Burstad, Wendy Darst, Henry Dolopei, Elks Lodge #44, Ron Engh, Linda Forkey, Shawn Gensch, Emily Gus, Brent Haglund, Lisa Jacobson, Terry Johnson, Heidi Johnson McAllister, Kristopher Knodle, Andrea Knoll, Jim Koon, Michael "Doobie" Kurus, George Larson, Jeffrey Lunde, Pete Raynor, Brenda Reeves, Matthew Schmidt, Deb Seim, Cindy Shevlin-Woodcock, Godson Sowah, Jodi Spoden, St. Theresa's Catholic Parish, Rochelle Sweeney, Marney Thomas, Paula VanAvery, TyTanya Watson, Claire Wilson, Jane Windmeier, AsaleSol Young
Thank you, donors and supporters! You are the fuel that makes Avenues run. Your gifts directly support our youth.
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