Don’t miss out! Join our mailing list to get all the latest BFY updates.
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.
The Bridge is making a request of $7.5 million in state funds in fiscal year 2027 to expand shelter and housing options for young families in Minnesota. Click here to learn more about our 2026 Legislative Ask.
Throughout Homeless Day on the Hill, 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.
“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.” – Anya, Former BFY Youth
Hear more from our young advocates in our latest blog story.
Outings, group activities, and time in community are vital in our work to ensure all youth feel safe, accepted, and supported. Over the last few months, we’ve had some memorable moments with youth in program. Recent programming includes weekly visits from Free Arts, tie-dying, and group outings.
Most notably, in February The Bridge celebrated Black History Month with a series of weekly events for youth and staff. This included line dancing led by She Cultivates, a spoken word workshop led by The Aya Collective, and drumming with our friend Brother Ghana.
Our Black History Month programming not only built community, but helped empower Black youth as they explored and celebrated their identity.
“Black History Month means expressing our culture… It’s a time to come together as a community—to thank those who came before us, and celebrate our strength. While staying at The Bridge, there have been so many opportunities to celebrate who we are.” -An Anonymous Youth in Shelter
Learn more from youth in shelter.
It takes all of us to provide youth experiencing homelessness with safe shelter, basic needs, and healthy relationships. Because of our commUNITY of support, we have been able to meet the moment at a time where youth need us most. Here’s how folks like you have been showing up lately:
- The U of M’s Carlson School of Management benefited The Bridge for Youth at their annual Carlson 4 Community MBA Charity Auction. Their generosity exceeded expectations and will help fuel our work throughout the year!
- Volunteers from McKinstry joined us for a morning of packing kits to distribute on the Mobile Youth Outreach Center.
- Various groups, including youth from Eden Prairie High School and Eagan Treehouse, supported The Bridge by hosting their own kit-packing events.
- Countless local artists and businesses contributed items to our live and silent auctions at Create, our signature fundraising event. Thank you to all who contributed!
- April is Volunteer Appreciation Month. We’d like to give a special shoutout to our weekly volunteers: Helen, Kathy, Kitty, Carol, and Seth. Thanks for sharing your time with us!
