Lutheran Social Service, Metro Homeless Youth Programs (LSS)

The LSS Homeless Youth Programs offer a continuum of holistic services to homeless and street-dependent youth in the Twin Cities Metro Area. There are five programs which make up that continuum: the Street Program, Safe House Shelter, LifeHaven Shelter, Rezek House, and the Transitional Living Project.

The Homeless Youth Programs operate under the philosophy that intervention with homeless youth is more effective using a developmental perspective rather than a pathological perspective. A developmental, asset-based perspective changes the way in which youth behavior is defined. By considering the conditions under which a young person is living, much of what is often defined as bad or sick is really an attempt to find the best response to adverse, life-threatening living conditions. By building positive mentor-like relationships with youth, staff and volunteers are able to break through trust barriers and provide meaningful services to youth; youth, staff and volunteers work in partnership. We believe that in order for changes to occur, youth must learn not only how to follow instructions, but also how to think and act in their own best interest. We believe that we work with youth rather than do things for or to youth.

We connect homeless youth to healthy, stable relationships and provide a safe place for young people to get back on their feet, solve their problems, and plan for a bright future. We have five programs in the Twin Cities Metro.

• The Street Outreach Program connects youth with basic needs and housing support.
• Safe House is a 60 -day, 6-bed emergency shelter.
• Rezek House is a two-year transitional living program with 12 efficiency units that are leased to the youth at 30% of their income.
• Life Haven provides transitional housing for six minor mom ages 16-17 and their children.
• Transitional Living Program (TLP) in Ramsey County provides housing and support for youth ages 18-24.
• The Rezek Resource Hubis a drop in center that provides a safe place for youth to explore resources

We have caring adults who work with youth to develop trust, create goals, learn independent living skills, maintain employments, secure long-term housing, and enhance parenting skills.