Homeless Youth Act
On any given night, an estimated 1,315 Minnesota youth experience homelessness, according to Wilder Research. The Minnesota Department of Human Services awards Homeless Youth Act funding on a competitive basis to nonprofit organizations, Tribal Nations, and local units of government so they can better respond to youth homelessness.
Homeless Youth Act services are delivered through a continuum of service models, including street outreach, drop-in centers, emergency shelter, and supportive housing programs. Funded programs are low-barrier, youth-centered, and responsive to the unique needs of young people. Services may include case management, life skills coaching, and referrals to housing, education, employment, health care, mental health resources, substance use treatment, transportation, and other supports that promote long-term well-being.
The Minnesota Legislature established the Homeless Youth Act, Minnesota Statutes 256K.45, (formerly the “Runaway and Homeless Youth Act”) in 2006. Initial one-time funding was appropriated in 2008, and the formal grant program was established in 2012.
The current level of funding for the 2026-27 biennium is $41,738,000, and 47 providers are receiving funds. There is an additional $2 million for provider repair and improvement grants to fund minor or mechanical repairs or improvements to facilities serving homeless youth or youth at risk of homelessness. Nine providers were funded for the 2026-27 biennium with these Homeless Youth Act capital grants.
Funding information
- Total biennial amount: $41,738,000
- Total number of grantees: 47
- Median biennial grant award amount: $650,000
Highlights from state fiscal year 2025
- 9,437 youth visited Homeless Youth Act-funded drop-in centers 82,484 times.
- 20,696 youth were served through Homeless Youth Act-funded outreach programs.
- 771 unduplicated youth stayed in Homeless Youth Act-funded shelters.
- 1,628 unduplicated youth were housed in Homeless Youth Act-funded housing programs.
If you are a provider interested in applying for this funding source, please sign up to receive information about requests for proposals through the Minnesota Department of Human Services at mn.gov/dhs/partners-and-providers/grants-rfps/open-rfps/.