Onward Eden Prairie

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Eden Prairie, MN
Onward Eden Prairie

We provide safe, stable homes for single adults age 18 -24 experiencing homelessness or housing insta

05/22/2026

Looking back — and looking ahead at Onward 💚

This week, Tricia Wright, Crystal Madison, and Kim Rathjen reflected on the early conversations that led to the creation of Onward House — and the ways the program continues to grow today.

Kim was one of Onward’s founders and first board president, and Crystal serves as Onward’s current program manager. Tricia is Onward's current executive director.

More than 10 years ago, community members in Eden Prairie recognized an unmet need: local young adults experiencing homelessness or housing instability had very few housing options or support services available to them.

Churches, nonprofits, schools, city leaders, and community members came together and asked: “What can we do to help?”

Those conversations eventually led to the creation of Onward.

Today, Onward continues helping young adults build stable lives and move toward independence through housing, support, relationships, and aftercare.

One line from the conversation stood out:
“At Onward, moving out is not the end of the relationship.”

Read more: https://www.onwardep.org/blogs/looking-back

05/21/2026

Spring is bringing new life and fresh energy to Onward. 🌱

Lately around the house, there have been garden sprouts, a bunny nest outside, afternoons spent working on puzzles and jewelry-making, and even a new bird bath on the deck.

These everyday moments may seem small, but they matter. A safe and stable home gives young adults space to rest, build routines, explore interests, and simply enjoy being home.

That’s part of what Onward is all about — creating a place where young people can live, learn, and launch toward greater independence. 🏡

05/14/2026

Earlier this month, more than 50 supporters, volunteers, community partners, and first-time visitors joined us for Onward’s Open House.

We’re sharing a glimpse inside Onward House — the spaces where young adults live, build community, and work toward independence.

One thing guests often notice when they visit is how personal and welcoming the home feels. Residents help shape the spaces they live in, from artwork and decorations to the overall feel of the home itself.

Stable housing paired with consistent support can change the trajectory of a young person’s life.

You can view more photos and reflections from the evening here:
https://www.onwardep.org/blogs/inside-onward-house

05/01/2026

Reminder: Onward’s Open House is coming up next Tuesday, and we’d love to see you there!

📍 Onward Open House
🗓 Tuesday, May 5
⏰ 4:00–6:00pm

Drop in anytime during the two-hour window to tour the home, connect with Onward leaders and supporters, and learn more about how young adults are building stability and independence through our program.

If you’ve attended before, we’d love for you to bring a friend along this year.

Learn more and RSVP:
www.onwardep.org/openhouse

📌 The home is located in Eden Prairie. The address will be shared after RSVP.

04/23/2026

It’s National Volunteer Week, and we want to say thank you to our volunteers.

Here are just some of the ways our volunteers show up:

Getting rooms ready for new residents
Helping Onward graduates move into their own apartments
Supporting residents with holiday gifts and celebrations
Keeping the house stocked with cleaning supplies and everyday essentials
Purchasing wishlist items that make the house feel like home
Telling others about our work
Serving on our board and committees

Because of you, young adults at Onward have a safe, steady place to live and a strong start as they move forward.

Here are some recent pictures of our amazing volunteers in action.

We’re really glad you’re part of the Onward community.

04/22/2026

Nothing better than seeing a young adult sign their first lease.

From homelessness to housed, building rental history and taking on life with confidence—this is what strength looks like. 💛

We’re honored to be part of the journey.

04/17/2026

A big step forward—and more work ahead.

In our spring update, we’re sharing:
• Maya’s move into her own apartment
• The growing number of young adults ready for this opportunity
• How we’re planning for what’s next

Right now, demand is higher than our capacity—and we’re actively working to grow.

Read the full update and see how you can be part of what’s next:
https://mailchi.mp/onwardep/onwardep-spring-2026-newsletter

04/16/2026

We’d love to welcome you.

📍 Onward Open House
🗓 Tuesday, May 5
⏰ 4:00–6:00pm

Stop by anytime during the two-hour window to tour the home, meet our board and staff, and learn how young adults are building stability and independence at Onward.

If you’ve been before, consider bringing a friend.

Learn more and RSVP:
www.onwardep.org/openhouse

📌 The home is in Eden Prairie. The address will be shared after you RSVP.

04/15/2026

Maya moved into her own apartment this spring.

A little over a year ago, she was just getting started—finishing high school, finding a job, and figuring out what stability could look like.

Now, she’s living on her own and building her future.

This is what’s possible when young adults have stable housing, time, and support.

More young people are ready for this opportunity right now.

We’re working to make that possible.

Read Maya's full story:
https://www.onwardep.org/blogs/starting-her-next-chapter

03/31/2026

Today is International Transgender Day of Visibility! 🏳️‍⚧️

At Onward, we’re celebrating joy, accomplishment, and the power of being seen. We recently learned more about the significance of this day through the eyes of one of our residents, and one message stood out:

Before this day existed, most recognition focused on Transgender Day of Remembrance. While it is vital to honor lives lost, Transgender Day of Visibility offers something different—a chance to celebrate together in the present.

Our resident even created a "zine" (shared below!) highlighting the local businesses and landmarks that foster a true sense of belonging.

For young adults navigating housing instability, affirmation isn't just a gesture—it’s a lifeline. We are proud to build a community where every individual is seen, valued, and celebrated for exactly who they are.

Address

Eden Prairie, MN
55344

Website

https://www.onwardep.org/

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