Maya came to Onward at 18, unsure what stability could look like. A little over a year later, she moved into her own apartment—equipped with the skills, confidence, and direction to live independently. Her story shows what’s possible when young adults have the time and support to build a foundation for their future.

At Onward, young adults stay in the driver’s seat of their own lives. Residents are tenants who sign leases, pay rent, and live in a shared home where they have both the rights and responsibilities that come with housing. Our role is to walk alongside them—providing stability, encouragement, and individualized support as they define their goals and build toward independence. Through a strengths-based approach to case management, residents set the direction and pace of their journey while we help ensure they have the tools and support to move forward with confidence.

Meet Onward’s 2026 board leaders and new members as we begin the year focused on growth, stability, and impact.

Part 5 | What you can do — building a community that sees the invisible

Ending youth homelessness takes everyone — neighbors, schools, faith communities, and local leaders. Here’s how to help.

Part 4 | The power of belonging — what it takes to end youth homelessness

Connection is just as essential as shelter. Belonging can be the difference between surviving and thriving.

Part 3 | Survival is a full-time job — the barriers youth face

There’s no single cause of youth homelessness. Understanding the overlapping barriers is the first step toward meaningful change.

Part 2 | Creating safe spaces for young people

Not all housing solutions fit every person. Young people need spaces designed for safety, stability, and belonging.

Part 1 | The invisible crisis — what youth homelessness really looks like

Homelessness among young people is often hidden in plain sight. What we can’t see, we rarely address — but thousands of Minnesota youth are navigating instability every day.

Helping a resident move into their first apartment was more than carrying boxes—it was witnessing stability, dignity, and hope take root. This milestone moment reflects Onward’s mission of preventing homelessness and nurturing independence, one life at a time.

I recently had coffee with “Jade,” a resident preparing to move out of Onward House and into her own apartment. As we talked, she reflected on how far she’s come.

People around me say they’ve seen a change—I seem more stable. And I feel it too. I feel more confident.

Judy Kammer knows firsthand how close a young person can come to homelessness. That’s why she gives monthly to Onward — to help young adults today find stability, support, and the chance for a brighter future. Read her story and see why monthly giving makes such a lasting difference.

Over 50 people stopped by for our Spring Open House. It was a warm and welcoming evening where guests learned about our work and toured Onward House.

After two years at Onward House, Asha reflects on the growth, support, and stability that helped her find her path forward. Now working with children and pursuing her Child Development Associate credential, she shares what made her time at Onward so meaningful—and how she hopes to give back in the future.

I'm excited to announce our board's new leadership for 2025. Megan Sande, who has been with Onward since our early days, is now our board president, and we're welcoming new board member Susan Geitzenauer. With a dedicated team supporting young adults facing housing challenges, we're looking forward to a bright future together.

Thanks to your incredible support, Onward exceeded our financial goals in 2024! Your generosity has fueled life-changing growth, allowing us to expand programs and provide greater resources for young adults building stability and achieving their goals. Read more to see how your impact is creating brighter futures and what’s ahead in 2025!

Asha’s story is a powerful reminder of the life-changing impact of Onward House. After being told to leave home at 18, she found stability, graduated high school, and began pursuing her dream of becoming a teacher. Today, she works at a childcare center and feels hopeful about her future—all thanks to the support and community she found at Onward. Stories like Asha’s show how your support can transform lives.

We want to raise $1.2 million to grow our capacity to serve more young people. This summer and fall, we shared our plan for doing this with key supporters. Your feedback shows enthusiastic support for our vision.

Earlier this week, 15 community members gathered at Eden Prairie Library to discuss Acceptance: A Memoir by Emi Nietfeld. The conversation highlighted powerful themes of instability, mental health, and resilience. As we reflected on Emi’s story, many parallels emerged with the young adults served by Onward. The discussion prompted important questions on how we can better support those facing housing insecurity and inspired action steps for our community to get involved.

In this blog post, Executive Director Tricia Wright shares about her recent visit to Eden Prairie High School, where she spoke with an entrepreneurship class about Onward’s mission to provide transitional housing for young adults facing housing instability. She asks the community to spread the word and encourage young people who may need a safe, stable place to live to reach out. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of our community's youth.

Celebrating milestones and new beginnings! Discover how Onward residents are thriving, our community is growing, and our future is bright.