Affordable options
The path to homeownership is different for everyone. Check out the MN Homeownership Center to take your first step and get financial assistance with Urban Homeworks, City of Lakes Land Trust, or Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America. Search Craigslist, Pad Mapper, Zillow or Housing Link for affordable rental opportunities in the neighborhood you want to live in.
People facing barriers to housing in the private market may find housing through HB 101 and the Hennepin Housing Key including group residential housing, board and lodging, supportive housing, and independent living.
Staying with a friend or family member
When the guest and the host have shared expectations, staying temporarily at someone’s house while looking for a place to live can be a safe option. It’s important that the guest follows the rules set by the lease and landlord. Hosts should set clear boundaries about how long the guest may stay and what is expected in terms of payment, chores and house rules. If at any time the guest feels unsafe, they should connect with the Youth Resource Line, utilize the shelter system or call 911.
The YMCA and Avenues for Youth provide support and training to homes that host young people for a temporary or longer term stay through their host home program.
The YMCA offers Independent Living Skills classes regularly. Text "ILS" to the phone number 22454 to receive text alerts for upcoming workshops. All workshops are available virtually.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides advocates who are available every day, around the clock, to talk confidentially with anyone experiencing domestic violence seeking resources, or questioning unhealthy aspects of their relationships. Find Minnesota-specific resources and shelter options at MN Day One.
Hennepin County offers housing options for youth who have been or are at risk of sexual exploitation through the No Wrong Door Initiative. Find resources on the No Wrong Door hub or here (PDF). If you or someone you know is being sexually exploited or trafficked contact your Regional Navigator or connect with MN Day One via call or text.
Homelessness
The Youth Resource Line, Tenant Resource Center, and Home Line support people who are at risk of eviction or homelessness. Emergency assistance is available to help with rent and other housing costs.
Hennepin County supports your basic needs at drop-in centers located in downtown Minneapolis at Youthlink, in Bloomington at Oasis for Youth, and at MoveFwd in Hopkins. Check out Waypoint or the Handbook of the Streets for food, clothing and other vital resources near you.
Use the website ysnmn.org to find available shelter beds.
If you experience homelessness, live on the street or in a place unfit to live, call the Youth Resource Line, connect with an outreach worker on ysnmn.org to complete an assessment to find housing options. The Coordinated Entry system prioritizes people most in need of housing.