At The Bridge, we’re led by the power of youth voices to create change. At Homeless Day on the Hill, an annual advocacy event at The State Capitol, our BFY commUNITY spoke to elected officials about the solutions that will transform the ways we support youth and young families experiencing homelessness.
During this legislative session, The Bridge is making a request of $7.5 million in capital this year to expand shelter and housing options for young families in Minnesota. The need is significant, as there are only 161 youth focused shelter beds and housing units across Minnesota for young parents and their children (Wilder Research 2025).
Throughout the day, youth from The Bridge bravely shared their truth. Hear more from our young advocates on what this experience at The State Capitol meant to them:
Anya
My name is Anya, a former youth at The Bridge who has spent significant time collaborating with the Wilder Foundation on their latest Young Families Research Study. As a young advocate working with various youth-centered organizations, I’ve learned the impact of youth advocacy.
Youth advocacy isn’t only youth sharing our stories — it’s about using our voices to call on the adults, organizations, and leaders who hold influence to take action alongside us, not for us.
Youth are invaluable for insight into current pressures, cultures, and system impacts of today. They often reveal needs that most adults overlook, and when trusted, improve the accuracy of advocacy efforts. When youth voices are valued and trusted, it can and has helped guide attention and action to where it was needed.
For me, I show up for what I believe in, and in this case, it’s myself and many other youth similar to me.
Deda
My name is Deda, and I am a youth staying at Rita’s House. Being at The State Capitol feels empowering to me. When I first came to The Bridge, I was very reserved and quiet.
I am still working through my own healing. An important part of that is speaking up on what I’ve gone through to ensure other youth don’t have to go through it.
Being here is an important step for me, and I know we will be heard.
Nova
My name is Nova, and I am on The Youth Advisory Board. This is my second year at Day on the Hill. My favorite thing is to help The Bridge and speak up whenever I can.
Today we talked to a handful of representatives. Our conversations touched on everything from access to shelters, public transportation, and more. It felt like they really took our voices seriously.
I shared how The Bridge saved my life. Before coming here in 2021, I was on my 6th homeless shelter in 4 years. The stability and community I found at The Bridge was monumental. So, of course I want to ensure that The Bridge expands to meet the need.
Xaveria
My name is Xaveria, and I am a former youth at The Bridge. I believe The Bridge should be funded because there are so many homeless youth who are out in the cold, and are getting exploited.
The Bridge gives next steps to a better life. I see so many youth my age in a bad spot. And I just know their situation would get better if our state had more supports in place.
I feel like The Bridge is key in breaking the cycle for all youth and young parents across the spectrum. I don’t know where
I would be right now if not for The Bridge.
