Center For Changing Lives Prepares To Open

LSS Center Aims to End Youth Homelessness

After months of construction, a new center on East Superior Street in Duluth is just about to open and give dozens of young people a place to call home.

The Center for Changing Lives is a project of Lutheran Social Service, it’s goal is to end youth homelessness in Duluth. It’s a goal they say is in reach.

As staff at the Center for Changing Lives settle into their new space, their goal is one that hits close to home for many.

“I grew up with parents that were both removed from homes as children because of victims to horrific violence. My father ended in foster care, and felt homeless at times,” said the center’s director,  Jennifer Julsrud.

Similar challenges are also impacting young people in Duluth. According to Wilder research, on any given night 120 young people don’t have a safe place to stay, and many take to the streets.

“Not everyone has a supportive uncle, aunt or family friends they can stay with,” said Julsrud.

The center hopes to be a safe place for people aged 13-24 with a teen health center, a safe space for LGBTQ youth, 10 beds in a transitional housing program, and ten low-income apartments for people aged 18-23 years old who meet state guidelines for homelessness.

Staff say LGBTQ youth are especially at risk for being homeless.

“Kids are thrown away,” said Julsrud. “Their parents tell them to leave when they’re teens. They end up living in the sky walks.”

The $9.1 million dollar building was paid for with grants and donations, and is completely debt free.

Now LSS says they need resources so they can focus on funding the programs to get kids back on their feet.

FOX 21 evening anchor Nikki Davidson is part of the Center for Changing Lives fundraising team. To help support programs at the center, click here.