BLOG: How Your Business can Help the Homeless Young Adults in the Community

We’ve all had the experience of being stuck at a stoplight on a downtown street corner and have seen someone standing with a cardboard sign, trying to scrape up a few bucks here or there.

Maybe you roll down your window and offer them a dollar or two or maybe you continue to drive. Every time I find myself in one of these situations, I catch my mind wandering back to that poor person and wondering how it is they found themselves in that position. While we see less of these folks standing on street corners in our own home town that doesn’t mean that homeless people are not there. According to Eagan Patch, there are over 1,000 homeless people currently living in Dakota County. As Patch begins its series on homelessness in Dakota County, we thought we would write a special blog highlighting one of our members, the Lincoln Place, which is doing its part to combat the growing problem.

The Lincoln Place is a supportive housing opportunity for 18-24 year olds who are homeless or at risk for becoming homeless. They are located in Eagan in the Cedar Grove Redevelopment area. While living there, residents work on skills that will help them become more independent. Residents are required to set productivity goals and design a plan around how to achieve these goals. Whether they are working or going to school, the Lincoln Place provides the support they need to be able to live on their own eventually.

From a business standpoint, there are a few reasons why making investments in an organization like the Lincoln Place would be beneficial. From a broad point of view, all businesses benefit from investing in young people. Getting under-privileged young people back on their feet and providing them with job skills is essential in building the workforce of the future, as well as the economy. When kids get a rough start in life, they can become dependent on government programs such as unemployment or Medicaid. People that need these programs to survive can be considered burdensome on the economy, which is bad for businesses. Ideally, by giving young people who are at risk of living off of these programs the skills they need to be self-sufficient, they can contribute to the economy instead of holding it back.

If your business is looking for a more direct return on your investment, there are always way to make that happen. The Lincoln Place is holding a bowling event at Cedarvale Lanes this fall. They are looking for different businesses to “sponsor a lane” and the proceeds will go towards the Lincoln Place. This not only benefits their organization, but will promote your business at the same time. Another great way to get involved would be to mentor a resident. Many of the young adults living there lack close relationships and are eager to form close bonds with people in the community. As a mentor, you can teach them professional skills, allow them to shadow you for a day, or just be there as a friend. If any of these opportunities interest you, please contact Julia O’Brien at 612.767.4479.

Here at the Chamber, we really hope your business takes advantage of these opportunities to do something really meaningful within your community. The Lincoln Place really does appreciate all the help. Thanks for reading! :)

—Megan, DCR Intern