Onward

Preventing homelessness. Nurturing independence.

Onward believes everyone deserves a safe, stable home. Many young adults in Minneapolis' southwest suburbs don't have this. We opened Eden Prairie-based Onward House in 2018 to provide a safe home and support to young adults experiencing homelessness or housing instability. 

Since opening our doors, we've provided stable housing and support to 19 young women and non-binary young adults (ages 18 - 24). Among those we have served that have stayed six months or more and successfully completed our program, 100% have transitioned into independent living.

Onward facts

• We can serve four young people at a time at our four-bedroom single-family home, Onward House.
• We see a need for services that is much greater than we have the capacity to meet. Last year we received 78 referrals for three spots. We are working to grow to be able to do more.
• Onward House residents can stay for up to two years.
• We've served 19 young women or non-binary young adults since opening our doors five years ago. 84% identify as BIPOC and more than half identify as LGBTQ+.
• We charge $300/month in rent so that residents can afford to invest time and money in their education, establish emergency savings and save for a deposit on an apartment. Half of the rent the residents pay each month is set aside for them and they can access it when they complete the program.
• All of our residents work and many pursue education. Some have earned degrees while living here.
• We provide ongoing case management to help the residents set and achieve personal goals related to their education, career, health, or life.

Having a safe, reliable place to sleep each night is transformational for young people who have often been couch hopping or sleeping in a car.

In the words of our residents:

• "If not for the safety, security, stability, and support I received at Onward, I wouldn't have been able to make this dream a reality." 
• “Onward gave me a foundation. I was able to finish high school, find a job I love, and finally feel stable.” 
• “I am learning about myself and who I can be. I didn’t use to think about who I could be because I didn’t think I could be anything.”
• “I know that I am stronger financially, mentally and emotionally than I would be if I hadn’t come to Onward House.”

Thank you for considering a gift to support local young people experiencing homelessness and housing instability.

To find out more:

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