New Housing Aims To Transform Lives Of Homeless Youth In Minneapolis

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Downtown View, a $17 million, five-story partner development project with YouthLink and Project for Pride in Living (PPL) will begin construction next week to provide 46 units of high quality housing and supportive services for youth experiencing homelessness, ages 18 – 24.

YouthLink, which serves more than 2,000 homeless youth every year, works to change the life trajectory for youth experiencing homelessness by connecting them to housing, education, employment, mental and physical health support, and other resources that eliminate suffering and dependence on social services.

On any given night, 6,000 young people are experiencing homelessness in Minnesota, according to a news release. Downtown View says it will support this population by providing critical units of housing and collaborating with nearly 30 agencies working to end youth homelessness.

By transforming the individual lives of young people experiencing homelessness, Downtown View says it will contribute in a significant and measurable way to reducing disparities, lowering social-service costs, and improving the workforce outlook across the Twin Cities region.

Downtown View, which will connect to YouthLink’s existing Minneapolis headquarters, will provide a unique resource to residents in three key ways: by serving older youth; by focusing services on youths’ long-term goals; and by utilizing the wealth of services offered in YouthLink’s existing Youth Opportunity Center. The development will also include a Career Pathways Center, a resident fitness area, access to mental health support, and employment/education navigation.

All of the $11.8 million in public funding has been secured to complement YouthLink’s $6 million comprehensive campaign, which includes a lead gift of $500,000 from the Pohlad Family Foundation. Other major donations include: Buuck Family Fund of The Minneapolis Foundation, Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Association, The Patrick & Aimee Butler Family Foundation, Ronald and Joan Cornwell, and the John and Denise Graves Family Foundation.

“We know investing in young people experiencing homelessness has long-term positive outcomes for both the young person and for our community,” Dr. Heather Huseby, executive director of YouthLink, said in a statement. “With the creation of 46 much-needed units of safe, supportive housing, expansion of the Youth Opportunity center, and a Career Pathways Center, we will increase economic and education opportunities and equity for young people.”

Designed by UrbanWorks Architecture, the unique housing project will be developed by PPL and built by Greiner Construction. Groundbreaking ceremonies will be held at 4:00 p.m., Tuesday April 18 at the new site, located at 41 N. 12th St. in downtown Minneapolis.

Construction is expected to be completed by late 2017 before cold weather season begins.

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