Young advocates, alongside staff and commUNITY members, took to the State Capitol for Homeless Day on the Hill. Meeting face to face with State Senators and other elected officials, we joined Minnesota’s housing justice community to push for solutions needed to support individuals experiencing homelessness.
“It means so much to be here,” exclaimed Nova, a former youth in supportive housing at The Bridge. “It really feels like we’re getting work done today.”
For The Bridge, that work was urging elected officials to support our 2025 Legislative Ask and building power for the Homeless Youth Act, a bill that will increase funding for services that reduces the risk of sexual exploitation for homeless youth, prevents involvement in criminal justice systems, and improves employment and educational success.
“It felt amazing speaking to my elected officials,” Murwatt said, feeling empowered after sharing her story. “I was nervous at first, but The Bridge helped me prepare what I wanted to say. It’s so important for youth like me to do this because our representatives need to know who we are and what we’ve been through.”
For Murwatt, she knows firsthand how challenging Minnesota’s housing crisis has been. During the pandemic, she saw her family and siblings become separated due to housing instability. She would find healing and support at The Bridge for Youth.
“The Bridge helps my friends and I,” said Cossette, a member of The Bridge’s LGBTQ+ support group. “They provide essentials like meals and clothing. And they help us build community. We rely on The Bridge to heal and grow.”
Many of The Bridge’s essential services are impacted by state funding. During Homeless Day on the Hill, we shared our impact and built power towards of 2025 Legislative Ask.
This session, we’re requesting state funds to grow our ability to serve youth through the creation of new housing units in Hennepin County for youth ages 16+ who are pregnant and/or parenting and have experienced homelessness.
Throughout the day we continued to meet with elected officials, built commUNITY, and uplifted each other as we worked to make change at the state level. Seeing youth like Cossette, Murrwatt, and Nova share their stories was not only empowering, but also inspiring.
Now more than ever, we need to create spaces where all youth feel safe, accepted, and supported. We invite you to join us. Click here to learn more about our 2025 Legislative Ask and learn the ways you can get involved.
