Newsmakers: Youth Homelessness Trends Down, But Issue Persists
Katherine Meerse is the executive director of Brooklyn Avenues, a shelter and transitional housing program for youth in Brooklyn Park and the northwest suburbs.
The organization has a shelter in Brooklyn Park that supports youth between the ages of 16 and 21 who are experiencing homelessness or housing and instability.
“We can have up to 12 youth living with us at one time, and we are almost always full unfortunately,” said Meerse.
Meerse says that despite a reported decline in homelessness in Minnesota, the demand for youth shelter beds remains high.
“There’s still far more youth experiencing homelessness than youth we have shelter beds for,” said Meerse.
The Brooklyn Park-based program also has on-site mental health therapists that provide support to youth. The therapists conduct one-on-one sessions as well as group sessions.
“They are also doing some innovative body work,” said Meerse. “We’re learning more and more things like Yoga can help with trauma recovery and people who have experienced trauma for part of their homelessness experience.”
One of the most rewarding parts of the job for Brooklyn Avenues staff is connecting with youth who have moved on from the program.
If you would like to help Brooklyn Avenues, check their website AvenuesforYouth.org.
“You can donate on the site, which is always wonderful. Financial donations are our most flexible, but we also obtain wish lists for Target and Amazon for things our young people need like hygiene products, socks or underwear,” said Meerse.
See also: Brooklyn Avenues Still Sheltering to Homeless Teens, Despite Challenges
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