Minneapolis, MN

THE LINK

EIN 41-1920649

Housing, Food & Basic Needs Shelter & Homelessness Services Children & youth People experiencing homelessness Communities of color Survivors of violence Low-income

Mission

The Link works with youth and families to overcome the impacts of poverty and social injustice.

IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) public charity Contributions are tax-deductible

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About THE LINK

The Link partners with youth and young families as they transition from crisis into safety and healing. The organization provides street outreach, emergency shelter, housing, crisis intervention, and supportive services to young people experiencing homelessness, sexual exploitation, and involvement with the juvenile justice or child welfare systems. Founded in 1991 by Black community leaders and former Minnesota Vikings Jim Marshall and Oscar Reed, The Link operates a continuum of youth-driven programs across the Twin Cities, including specialized Safe Harbor services, supportive housing, rapid rehousing, Project Live Out Loud (culturally specific programming for LGBTQ+ youth), and youth advocacy. The Link reports serving more than 2,000 youth and young families each year and operating 250+ units of safe and stable housing nightly. In recent years The Link has expanded housing capacity and strengthened youth leadership and survivor-informed programming. Its 2023–2024 impact reporting highlights robust outcomes: extensive youth leadership engagement (paid leadership roles), high housing stability after program completion, and strong self-reported wellbeing gains among youth served by Safe Harbor programs.

Notable achievements

Annual reach

Serves 2,000+ youth and young families across the Twin Cities each year through outreach, shelter, housing, and advocacy programs.

Housing capacity & outcomes

Operates 250+ units of safe and stable housing nightly and reports strong program outcomes (for example, 84% of youth maintained stable housing after completing supportive housing).

Passageways Shelter & Housing

Established The Link’s Safe Harbor division and Passageways (opened 2014), the state’s shelter and housing program designed to serve sexually exploited youth of all genders with onsite supports and long-term housing.

At a glance

Total assets: $5.0M
Annual revenue: $16.6M
Tax status: 501(c)(3)Public charity
EIN: 41-1920649
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Website: thelinkmn.org
On Mahalo since: September 2026

Financial figures from the IRS Business Master File, the IRS’s registry of tax-exempt organizations.

Recognition

Charity Navigator three-star profile with a high score (profile indicates an 89% score).

Designated partner in Minnesota’s Safe Harbor / No Wrong Door response for sexually exploited youth.

Recognized for advocacy and systems work — The Link reports participating in coalition efforts that contributed to passage of Minnesota’s Homeless Youth Act and Safe Harbor Law.

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