Avenues for Youth

Element is proud to serve as the Owner's Representative for A Home of Our Own, a transformational new headquarters and supportive housing facility for Avenues for Youth in North Minneapolis. This 30,006 SF project will provide critical emergency shelter, transitional housing, and wraparound services for young people experiencing homelessness.

As Avenues for Youth embarked on this ambitious expansion, Element partnered early to help guide the project from concept through financing, design, and pre-construction. Our team led the development of a complex capital stack that brought together federal, state, and local public funding—including HUD, LCDA, and environmental grants—with philanthropic contributions, a program-related investment, NMTC equity, and bridge financing. This multi-layered structure reflects a powerful coalition of mission-aligned partners committed to equity and long-term stability for youth.

In addition to financial strategy and coordination, Element supported project scoping, team selection, and ongoing project management alongside nonprofit leadership. Working with architecture and engineering partner LHB, Inc., the design prioritizes dignity, belonging, and safety. The first two floors will house shelter beds, transitional housing units, and communal spaces like a dining area, study labs, and laundry. The upper floor includes nearly 10,000 SF of administrative and flexible office space. Outdoor courtyards and a basketball court further reflect the care and intentionality behind the project.

Construction began in spring 2025, with anticipated completion in 2026. A Home of Our Own will be a vital, lasting resource for the community—and a bold next step in Avenues for Youth’s mission to support young people in building stable, meaningful futures.