September 2026

HOMELESS STUDY

Revealing the Impact of Homelessness on Foster Youth

In a new report released in collaboration with Foster Advocates and authored by Wilder Researcher Jessie Austin O'Neill, we shine a light on the experiences of homeless youth who have lived in a foster or group home. The findings are stark:

• 4 in 10 homeless youth in Minnesota were once in foster care
• These youth first experienced homelessness at 13 years old, on average
• These youth are faring worse than their homeless peers with no foster care history on every measure we examined

The report highlights data from a special analysis of the 2023 Minnesota Homeless Study. But the data weren't just analyzed by our team of researchers at Wilder—they were co-interpreted with a group of youth who have foster experience. We're incredibly grateful to the fosters who brought the data to life with their stories and insights.

MINNESOTA COMPASS

Compass is Hitting the Road!

Minnesota Compass is coming to communities across greater Minnesota in October and November. Join local leaders, nonprofit partners, public-sector professionals, and community members to hear about regional trends and to share the stories that get missed about greater Minnesota. At each Roadshow stop, we will share relevant regional data, learn from you about greater Minnesota's strengths and challenges, and provide space to connect with others.

NEW RESEARCH

In Case You Missed It

Check out the latest public reports, briefs, and other research from Wilder.

• Community Needs Surveys: Summary Report
  Project with the Minnesota Council on LGBTQIA2S+ Minnesotans, September 2026
  
• Experiences with Family Services at Wilder's Child Development Center: Survey Results from CDC Parents
  Project with Wilder's Child Development Center, September 2026
  
• The Impact of Homelessness on Youth with Out-of-Home Placement History
  Report created using data from the 2023 Minnesota Homeless Study, September 2026
  
• Minnesota Cancer Alliance: 2026 Summit and Member Feedback Survey
  Project with the Minnesota Cancer Alliance, September 2026

UPCOMING EVENTS

Wilder Research is Out and About This Fall

We're proud to sponsor these upcoming local events, and we hope you'll join us in attending!

• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) MN Walk 
  September 26 | Minneapolis, MN
  Join us on a 3K walk to raise funds for mental health support in Minnesota.
  
• Minnesota Evaluation Association Unconference 
  October 7 | St. Paul, MN (at Wilder Center!)
  Explore the connection between evaluation and collective care alongside evaluators, nonprofit and public-sector professionals, and community.
  
• Minnesota Council of Nonprofits Conference 
  October 29-30 | St. Paul, MN
  Come together with 1,000+ Minnesota nonprofit peers for a unique learning and connection opportunity with topics to fit all nonprofit roles!

The registration deadlines for the events below have passed, but if you're attending, be sure to say hi!

Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless Conference 
September 23-24 | Duluth, MN

Minnesota Community & Family Resource Network Fall Gathering 
September 28-30 | Staples, MN

Wilder Research | 651-280-2700 | research@wilder.org | wilderresearch.org