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The Bridge is celebrating 56-years of supporting youth experiencing homelessness!
What began in 1970 as a thoughtful and meaningful response to the growing number of unaccompanied youth facing exploitation, addiction, and mental illness has grown into a community staple for youth experiencing homelessness.
Take a look back with us on The Bridge’s powerful history.
The Bridge flourishes today thanks to a strong community of support.
Help us celebrate 56 years of ensuring all youth are safe, accepted, and supported by making a gift of $56 or more.
If you’re a first-time donor or making an increased gift, your donation will be matched dollar-for-dollar by an anonymous donor!
July was BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to reflect on the unique challenges BIPOC individuals face in relation to their mental health. Throughout the month, we engaged in conversations with youth about their mental health journey.
Supporting young people starts with meeting them where they are and providing them with holistic support. At The Bridge, we’ve seen firsthand how culturally relevant care impacts the young people we work with.
“Culturally specific care acknowledges the best form of support with consideration to cultural norms and backgrounds,” shared Martrell, The Bridge’s Mental Health Therapist. “We’re here to support youth from all backgrounds with open minds.”
“Addressing my mental health is important to me because having that safe space and opportunity to talk about what’s going on with you actually helps. Getting things off your chest and mind actually does justice.”
– An Anonymous Youth in Shelter
- Members of The Youth Advisory Board visited Marine Magnolia Farm, owned by BFY President Lisa Mears, for a special team retreat. Together, they welcomed a new board member, established guiding values: patience, honesty, fellowship, respect, and passion, and ended the day by crafting colorful zinnia bouquets. The Youth Advisory Board is excited to carry these values into all they do at The Bridge.
- Youth and staff got to spend an afternoon enjoying thrill rides at Valleyfair! Time spent having fun is essential for all youth – no matter what. Making special memories like this is just one way we help youth feel safe, accepted, and supported.
- Recently, The Bridge welcomed volunteers from The Creative Partners Group and RBC Wealth Management. These individual groups helped our outreach team keep up with the busy summer season by packing over 1,000 snack kits, cleaning the Mobile Youth Outreach Center, and organizing!
- Our partners at The Greater Twin Cities United Way are helping youth get ready for the school year! At their annual Backpack Action Day, they supported The Bridge with a donation of backpacks and school supplies.
- The Bridge joined other organizations at The Boys & Girls Club of America’s Great Futures Fair. We had the opportunity to connect with hundreds of youth who received resources and learned about different careers they can step into.
Help shape the future for youth experiencing homelessness – join The Bridge For Youth Board of Directors!
We’re at a pivotal moment as we’re working to expand housing options for young families experiencing homelessness. We need experienced, passionate volunteer leaders to help guide us forward! It is an exciting time to get involved, as we are integrating youth and adult co-leadership on the board in 2026.
We are actively recruiting volunteer Board Members and Committee Members who bring expertise in one or more of the following areas:
- Real Estate & Affordable Housing Development
- Nonprofit Financial Management
- Finance Committee Chair & Board Treasurer Positions
- Fundraising & Capital Campaign Leadership
Whether you’re ready to step into a board leadership role or simply want to explore how your expertise can contribute at the committee level, we’d love to connect. Learn more and apply today.
