Mila's Story

On any given night, almost ​1,500 youth in Minnesota are alone and experiencing homelessness.

For 16-year-old Mila, this was her reality.  ​

Mila was homeless off and on for the last few years. Living with an emotionally abusive parent, she says, “made it very hard for me to create and maintain growth and success in many different aspects of my life.”  
 
After an especially bad fight with her parents, Mila ran – again. That night she slept outside, and the next day her friend drove her to Hope House, 180 Degrees’ Emergency Youth Shelter in Chanhassen.    

​Arriving hungry and exhausted, Mila was grateful when she was offered a sandwich, a shower, and space to herself. Staff called Mila's parent, but tempers were still hot.  

Mila was quickly connected to an in-house Case Manager to get the support she needed. That's when she started to understand what peace and safety felt like.  

Having her basic needs met, and a team of staff who empowered her, she could start focusing on her goals. “I want to be doing work that supports me financially, and that inspires me. I want to make a positive impact on the world with my life and career”.  
 
Then, with help from a mental health counselor, Mila and her family were able to reconnect. After some important sessions of learning how to communicate with each other, they were able to agree on how to move forward -- together. 

Your gift provides safe, emergency shelter and services for Minnesota teens like Mila.

P.S. Every donation until November 19 will be MATCHED up to $5,000! That means your impact will be doubled.