Why 6,000?

The latest studies show that there are at least 6,000 youth ages 16-24 in Minnesota alone that experience homelessness every night. These are youth that may attend your schools, take your order at a restaurant, or pass you on the street. Youth experiencing homelessness are extremely vulnerable, and often have untreated mental health disorders, struggle with substance use, face sexual exploitation and survival sex, are physically victimized, and are more prone to suicide than their stably housed peers.  

Youth report that the hardest barrier they face when leaving homelessness is a lack of stable employment. Maintaining work without a permanent home and the soft skills that are attractive to employers can make it difficult for young people to gain the income needed to leave homelessness. 

Wildflyer Coffee is a nonprofit coffee company that addresses this barrier and works to end youth homelessness by offering dignified employment opportunities and support to youth aged 16-24 that are experiencing homelessness and housing instability. Through a 6-month employment and life skills training program, youth develop the personal and professional skills they need to find housing stability, and receive the support they need in their journey out of homelessness.

We've seen firsthand the hard work and resiliency these youth show on a daily basis, and we want to show that same dedication. Together, we can be part of the solution while moving our bodies and having some fun!