Young people aging out of foster care face some of the highest risks of housing instability and homelessness in the United States. Across studies, between one-third and nearly half of youth who age out of foster care will experience homelessness by their mid-twenties, a rate many times higher than their peers. This instability is not episodic—it is patterned and persistent. Youth with out-of-home placement histories experience homelessness earlier, more frequently, and for longer durations than their peers. They also show disproportionate rates of involvement with the criminal legal system, early parenting, mental health challenges, and underemployment. Not as a result of individual failure, but clearly as a reflection of conditions (both systematic and situational) that make sustained stability extraordinarily difficult during their transition to adulthood.

Finland's Housing First model proves homelessness can be solved with aligned funding, onsite services, and strong political will. Can we follow Finland’s proven path?

The 2024 PIT count quantifies a visible and felt tragedy unfolding for Minnesotans across our state that compels response and demands that we ask hard questions and move toward action. What would it take to solve homelessness in Minnesota… to create humane solutions to encampments… to provide effective and comprehensive housing support to Minnesotans who need it most… to lead on effective solutions that could impact homelessness nationwide? We’re hoping Helsinki, Finland may reveal some answers.