Avenues for Homeless Youth in Minneapolis was selected to receive a $25,000 Chairman’s Award grant from GE Capital Fleet Services. The grant will support the organization’s mission to provide short-term housing and supportive services to homeless youth in the Twin Cities.

The Chairman’s Award, given annually by GE Chairman and CEO Jeff Immelt, is the highest honor given at GE, and comes with the opportunity to provide a donation to an organization of the winner’s choosing.

“We chose to make our donation to Avenues for Homeless Youth because we have seen firsthand the impact this organization has on the lives of young people,” said Kristi Webb, GE Capital Fleet Services president and CEO. 

There are more than 4,000 youth who are homeless and on their own every night in Minnesota. Avenues provides homeless youth with emergency shelter, short-term housing and supportive services in a safe and nurturing environment. Through such service, Avenues seeks to help youth achieve their personal goals and make a positive transition into young adulthood.

The organization runs shelters and hosts home programs combined with supportive services for youth in the Twin Cities. Avenues opened its first suburban location in 2015; Brooklyn Avenues is a 12-bed teen shelter and the first ever shelter for young people in the suburbs.

“We have been able to make successful strides in our mission to provide safety and encouragement to homeless youth throughout Minnesota," said Deborah Loon, executive director of Avenues. "This donation will assist us greatly in continuing our mission and enhancing our services for these deserving young people."