FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 24, 2020
The Bridge for Youth to Open the Only Emergency Shelter for Homeless Pregnant and Parenting Youth in Minnesota
Minneapolis, MN – Youth are the most likely segment of Minnesota’s population to be homeless. Nightly in Minnesota, over 6,000 youth experience homelessness and more than one-third of these youth – over 2,000 – are pregnant or parenting, in Hennepin County this increases to nearly 50%. Despite this stark need, there are currently no emergency shelter beds specifically for homeless teen parents and their children in Minnesota.
To address an urgent and growing need for housing for homeless pregnant and parenting youth, on August 24, 2020 The Bridge will open Gloria’s Place, the only emergency shelter in Minnesota specifically for homeless teen parents and their children.
“Nearly 35% of homeless youth in Minnesota are pregnant or parenting, in Hennepin County this increases to nearly 50%. The Bridge is pleased to be opening the only emergency shelter in Minnesota to respond to this overwhelming need.” – Lisa Mears, Executive Director
Gloria’s Place will provide emergency shelter, food and clothing for up to six homeless teen parents (ages 15-17), and their children (ages 0-3). Through comprehensive case management, youth in Gloria’s Place will have their immediate needs met, in addition to access healthcare, assistance in obtaining vital documents, parenting groups, enrolling in school, individual and group counseling and more.
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About The Bridge for Youth
The Bridge for Youth is a Minneapolis-based provider of services for runaway and homeless youth. Programs include a 24-hour crisis hotline, emergency shelter, supportive housing, case management, individual and family counseling and support groups. Celebrating 50 years of service, The Bridge for Youth is known nationally for innovative programming that prevents youth homelessness, reunites families, and empowers youth to become healthy productive adults. For more information, visit bridgeforyouth.org, or via social media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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Contact:
Christina Woodlee, Senior Director of Strategy & Partnerships
612-840-5522
[email protected]
