Join The Fight Against Housing Insecurity In The LGBTQ+ Community
It’s Pride Month so grab that rainbow gear! But remember to save a few pennies to donate directly to worthy causes. Here are organizations you can support to help fight housing insecurity in the LGBTQ+ community.
If you’re short on pennies at the moment, I understand. Pin this post for later so you can refer back when it’s your turn to give. Pass along this information to those in your life who need access to the resources I’ve listed. In our global community, we can all make an impact.
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when you see text in bold italics, that’s a clickable link you can use to do more research on the topic.
HOUSING INSECURITY + LAUNGUAGE
Housing insecurity is the lack of access to an individual shelter (ie, home) and can be the result of high housing costs, poor housing quality, limited resources, and discrimination. It can include – but is not always limited to – homelessness. Not all homelessness is the same. For an exploration of the four types of homelessness, please check out this article from Art From The Streets.
Also, it’s important to note that activists who are fighting against housing insecurity are more recently opting to use the term “unhoused” versus “homeless” as we shift away from the moniker that has often been used as a negative identifier against people experiencing housing insecurity. For more explanation on the shift, you can read this piece from Architectural Digest or search “homeless vs unhoused” in your search engine.
Regardless of the term you use, it is important that you opt to center the person to which you are referring rather than their experience in your language. For instance, calling someone an “unhoused person” is not only often inaccurate but it also places emphasis on their experience instead of emphasizing their humanity. Opting to use terms that center the human, like “a person experiencing housing insecurity”, can help shift the mindset in our entire society to evoke empathy and compassion.
HOUSING INSECURITY IN THE LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY
In a 2020 report from The Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law, data suggests that people in the LGBTQ+ community are more likely than their non-LGBTQ+ peers to experience housing insecurity. The factors that contribute to this inequity include; housing discrimination in the rental and mortgage markets, family rejection, and harassment / discrimination at assisted living facilities and shelters for those experiencing homelessness.
That same report listed the following indicators that housing insecurity is disproportionately affecting members of the LGTBQ+ community and how being a member of more than one marginalized group might increase a person’s odds of experiencing housing insecurity;
- More than one in five (21.6%) LGBT adults in the United States are living in poverty, compared to 15.7% of cisgender straight adults, according to a 2019 report by the Williams Institute.
- That same report also indicated that, among LGBTQ+ people, the experience of living in poverty (a major reason for housing insecurity), was most prevalent among racial minorities, bisexual people, women, transgender people, and younger people.
- Same-sex couples are less likely to own their homes than different-sex couples (63.8% and 75.1%, respectively).
- Studies find that between 20% and 45% of homeless youth identify as LGBTQ, approximately 2 to 4 times more than the estimated percentage of all youth who do not identify as LGBTQ.
In a 2018 report from Chapin Hall at University of Chicago, researchers found that compared to heterosexual and nontransgender youth, LGBTQ+ youth are disproportionately represented among the nearly 4.2 million youth and young adults in America who experienced some form of homelessness during a 12-month period. If you’re looking for ways to help, this report also lists opportunities to help curb the experience of being unhoused as a member of the LGBTQ+ community in this country.
Lastly, The National Center for Transgender Equality reports that 1 in 5 transgender people in the United States has been discriminated against when seeking a home, and more than 1 in 10 have been evicted from their homes because of their gender identity. Exacerbating this issue is the fact that many shelters that provide services for people who are experiencing housing insecurity fail to provide safe and inclusive (read: gender-affirming) services for members of the Transgender/Non-Binary communities.
Here’s how you can help:
LEGAL RESOURCES FOR LGBTQ+ PEOPLE EXPERIENCING HOUSING INSECURITY
here’s a list of organizations you can refer to with questions or to get information on your rights as a member of the LGBTQ+ community when it comes to fair housing and discrimination:
- National Center for Transgender Equality – Founded in 2003, NCTE is a nationwide organization that fights discrimination against the members of the Transgender community by placing activists in DC who lobby for inclusion and protections in current legislation.
- US Dept of Housing and Urban Development – This is the branch of the Federal Government that exists to help facilitate housing opportunities and prevent discrimination across the country. Here, you can see a list of federal laws and policies that dictate protections to people in the LGBTQ+ community. You can also view a list of state laws that offer protections against discrimination on this site.
- Human Rights Campaign – Founded in 1980 as The Human Rights Campaign Fund, The HRC is now the most widely-recognized group of LGBTQ+. activists and lobbyists in the United States. On their site, you can find many resources for protecting yourself against housing discrimination using the laws currently in place in the US. You can also read about pending legislation you can support in your own activism work.
- The Trevor Project – Founded in 1998 to provide crisis intervention to younger members of the LGBTQ+ community in the US, The Trevor Project has resources for people under 25 who are experiencing housing insecurity and family rejection.
- True Colors United – True Colors United implements innovative solutions to youth homelessness that focus on the unique experiences of LGBTQ young people.
- Lambda Legal – Throughout the 1970s, Lambda Legal fought and won some of the nation’s first cases on behalf of lesbian and gay parents and same-sex couples. With the generous support of thousands of friends around the country, what began in 1973 as a couple of volunteers working out of a spare room in a supporter’s apartment has now grown to an expert staff of more than 100 in six offices around the country—New York, Atlanta, Dallas, Chicago, Los Angeles and Washington DC.
LOCAL RESOURCES + ORGANIZATIONS TO SUPPORT
Here’s a list of organizations, broken down by state and district, that offer resources in local communities help curb the instances of housing insecurity amongst members of the LGBTQ+ community.
This list will be updated as new information is available. If you’d like to add an organization to this list, please email me at teri@tmoorehome.com with a link to the organization you’d like to see supported here. Please note this list is meant to serve as a direct connector between organizations which offer direct assistance to those experience housing insecurity. If your organization supports the LGBTQ+ community but offers no direct assistance, please do not send it as it will not be added.
Please note that not all organizations listed offer services exclusively to the LGBTQ+ community. Many of these organizations offer services that are inclusive to the community and fill in the gaps traditional housing support services leave behind. When making a decision about which organization you’re donating to, I highly recommend you support organizations with a dedicated Emergency Resource Program (ERP) Fund. Those organizations offer the most beneficial support through financial assistance and housing placement.
*** Please also note that some of these organizations provide services in a religion-based environment. Because religion is often used as a justification for abuse and discrimination against members of the LGBTQ+ community, being in an environment associated with religion can exacerbate trauma to those in the LGBTQ+ community. As such, I have marked faith-based organizations on this list with an asterisk.
Alabama
- Magic City Acceptance Center – Birmingham, AL
The Magic City Acceptance Center was established in the Spring of 2014 as a program of Birmingham AIDS Outreach that aims to create a brave and affirming space for the LGBTQ community in Alabama through outreach, training, consultation, and direct-services. - Montgomery Pride United’s Bayard Rustin Community Center – Montgomery, AL
The Emergency Resource Program (ERP) provides resources for LGBTQ+ individuals in need of food, shelter, medical services, or any other help to ensure their safety, health, and stability. - Youth Villages* – Auburn, Birmingham, Mobile Providing family support, treatments, and foster-to-adopt programs for children who have experienced family rejection.
Alaska
- Identity LGBTQ+ Community Center – Anchorage, AKWe advance Alaska’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community through advocacy, education and connectivity.
- Covenant House* – Anchorage, AK
Covenant House provides more than a bed and a meal for youth experiencing homelessness and escaping trafficking; we show unconditional love and give comprehensive support so that our youth can and will realize their fullest potential.
Arizona
- One N Ten – Phoenix, AZ
one•n•ten’s Emergency Relief Fund (ERF) is currently open and providing emergency financial assistance to one•n•ten youth experiencing housing instability and/or food insecurity due to the COVID-19 pandemic. - Cafe 27 Youth Services – Central and Northern AZ
Café 27 is a safe and welcoming space for children and youth ages 12 to 17 to go after school to participate in activities that are important to them as part of their recovery and treatment plan. Our location was designed to meet the needs and expectations of youth. We have free wi-fi, up-to-date tablet and laptop computers, and space dedicated to learning, treatment, relaxation, social interaction, and life skills training. - Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation Housing Services – Tucson, AZ
Consistent with SAAF’s promise to create and sustain a healthier community, SAAF provides subsidized, affordable housing for qualified clients through residential properties owned by SAAF and housing through other scattered site housing programs.
Arkansas
- Arthur Beeghly LGBTQ Resource Center – Fayetteville, AR
- Youth Villages* – Searcy, Jonesboro, West Memphis
Providing family support, treatments, and foster-to-adopt programs for children who have experienced family rejection.
California
- The San Gabriel Valley LGBTQ Center – Arcadia, CA
The San Gabriel Valley LGBTQ Center (originally the Pasadena Pride Center) was founded in 2011, in response to a nationwide string of LGBTQ youth suicides. The first board was a coalition of LGBTQ community leaders, and our initial mission was to provide a centralized point of contact for local community resources. - Spahr Center – Corte Madera, CA
Housing Assistance limited emergency rental assistance, housing and move-in related expenses. - Los Angeles LGBTQ Center – Los Angeles, CA
From housing homeless youth to providing affordable housing for seniors—and from helping transgender people find employment to providing legal support for asylum seekers—no organization serves more LGBT people than the Center. - LGBTQ Connection – Sonoma and Napa Counties, CA
With LGBTQ events, groups for youth and seniors, and strategies to promote wellness and increase HIV prevention, LGBTQ Connection creates programs and builds community so that LGBTQ people live healthier, more connected lives. - Oakland LGBTQ Community Center – Oakland, CA
We envision a future where all of our city’s residents have affordable, safe and secure housing, but until that day, we will need your generous support. - Pomona Pride Center – Ponoma, CA
Our goal is to be able to provide an array of life sustaining programs and services to deserving communities. - NorCal OUTreach Project – Rural Far Northern CA
We can help with referrals for mental, physical and reproductive health, transgender related services, legal, parenting and foster parenting resources, and more. - The Center – Palm Springs, CA
- Sacramento LGBTQ Community Center – Sacramento, CA
Colorado
- OUT Boulder – Boulder County, CO
Our mission is to educate, advocate and provide services, programs and support for Boulder County’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer communities. - Youth Seen – Broomfield, CO
We provide short-term case management for youth experiencing a variety of needs from medical & mental health to housing instability. Our staff can provide support, information or referrals for a variety of needs. - The Center on Colfax – Denver, CO
The Center on Colfax opened in 1976 has grown to become the largest LGBTQ community center in the Rocky Mountain region, giving voice to Colorado’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) community and playing a pivotal role in statewide initiatives to reduce harassment and discrimination. Today we are focused on fulfilling our mission by ensuring that every member of the LGBTQ community has access to the programs and resources they need to live happy, healthy, and productive lives.
Connecticut
- New Haven Pride Center – New Haven, CT
The New Haven Pride Center’s Case Management program connects members of the LGBTQ+ community to support services and other resources that address their unique needs. The Center’s Case Management program is consciously aware of the unique needs of the LGBTQ+ community and works to provide comprehensive and trauma informed support. - Triangle Community Center – Norwalk, CT
TCC’s Case Management program connects self-identified LGBTQ clients living in Fairfield County to programs and services that address their needs while fostering empowering relationships and seeking safe and independent outcomes. The program is consciously aware of and diligently meeting the growing needs of the LGBTQ and allied community.
Delaware
- CAMP Rehoboth – Rehoboth Beach, DE
CAMP Rehoboth is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community service organization dedicated to creating a positive environment inclusive of all sexual orientations and gender identities in Rehoboth Beach and its related communities. We seek to promote cooperation and understanding among all people, as we work to build a safer community with room for all.
District of Columbia (Washington, DC)
- The DC Center for the LGBT Community Youth Working Group – Washington, DC
The Youth Working Group was formed in 2011 to ensure that local LGBTQ youth are guaranteed these things. Our core priorities are: safe shelter; freedom from bullying; affirming law, policies, and practices; and avenues to success. - SMYAL Youth Houses – Washington, DC
The SMYAL Youth Houses accommodate 38 residents in a transitional (2 year) and extended transitional (6 year) living program for youth ages 18-24. - Casa Ruby – Washington, DC
Stable living arrangements for people experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness, from shelter for a night to long-term housing.
Florida
- Pridelines: Project SAFE – Miami, FL
- Gainesville Peer Respite – Gainesville, FL
Gainesville Peer Respite provides sanctuary and the opportunity to connect with fellow members of the community that self-identify as peers. Providing overnight stays for people who are going through mental trauma and illness and need a safe supportive environment geared toward recovery. Support groups and group events are provided to residents and walk-ins alike. - Jasmyn – Jacksonville, FL
JASMYN has been in Jacksonville 27 years slowly, deliberately creating the safe space we have carved out for LGBTQ youth. Now we’re looking ahead to ensure this organization is here for future generations, by investing in something more permanent. By creating a Safe Place, we recognize their dignity, support their identity, and have reserved a place for them to build community.
Georgia
- Covenant House* – Atlanta, GA
Covenant House provides more than a bed and a meal for youth experiencing homelessness and escaping trafficking; we show unconditional love and give comprehensive support so that our youth can and will realize their fullest potential. - Trans Housing Atlanta – Atlanta, GA
We provide direct assistance/resources for individuals experiencing homelessness. Our services are majority centered towards those who are transgender and gender non-conforming. - Trans Housing Coalition – Atlanta, GA
The driving force of the Trans Housing Coalition’s work is Housing First, a method based on the notion that housing is a human right and that chronically homeless people deserve to be offered housing without needing first to satisfy any conditions such as sobriety – and then should be given the wraparound services needed in order to stay in housing and thrive in their lives.
Hawaii
- Gregory House Programs – Statewide
We provide affordable housing assistance and support services to persons living with HIV/AIDS and their families in Hawaii. - Hawai’i Health And Harm Reduction Center – Honolulu, HI
As we build rapport and trust with participants, we are able to connect them to resources for shelter, housing, mental health case management, substance use treatment, and more.
Idaho
Illinois
- Lighthouse Foundation – Chicago, IL
Lighthouse Foundation invests in Black LGBTQ+ liberation internally by developing BQC Leaders, a cohort that builds community, sets goals, and creates public programming for Black Queer people. Wel also focus on leadership development, capacity building, and economic sustainability to grow Black power through institutional longevity. - The Liam Foundation – Rockford, IL
The Liam Foundation provides services for all persons within our LGBTQIA+ community by offering safe and welcoming facilities for our community; providing support, services and resources that take special consideration to the needs of our community; mentoring our community in life skills to persons with special needs, and or at-risk behaviors and or circumstances in our community; promoting the overall health and well-being of our community; continually educating ourselves and the community at large on issues that pertain to our community; and sponsoring, hosting and or participating in events and activities that promote our community.
Indiana
- Damien Center – Indianapolis, IN Our Housing and Emergency Assistance services allow individuals to access safe, affordable housing and supportive services that promote stability and enhance their quality of life. The Housing Assistance Program at Damien Center helps patients address the complicated issues that affect their housing stability. Whether they need short-, medium- or long-term rental subsidy, utility assistance, or help paying for incidental expenses that affect other areas of life, the housing team works together with our patients to determine which options are best suited for their needs.
- Trinity Haven – Indianapolis, IN
Trinity Haven provides safe, affirming housing for LGBTQ youth experiencing housing instability. - Indiana Youth Group Project Prism – Indianapolis, IN
Launched in October of 2020, Project Prism was the first rapid rehousing project of its kind focused specifically on serving LGBTQ+ young adults. It has since become the largest rehousing provider in central Indiana. The program aims to assist clients in getting off of the streets and into long-term housing of their own choice. In addition to stable, permanent housing, Project Prism also provides education and employment support, basic needs accessibility, mental health and wellness care, community relationship building, and case management.
Iowa
Kansas
- Our Spot – Kansas City Metro Area
Lion House is an LGBTQ-specific transitional and rapid rehousing program that seeks to come from a community first and housing plus approach.
Kentucky
- House of Ruth – Louisville, KY
Our housing programs help our clients by eliminating the financial and social/emotional barriers that have kept them from getting and maintaining a home. - Heartland Equality – Paducah, KY
- Sweet Evening Breeze – Louisville, KY
Sweet Evening Breeze is committed to Louisville’s LGBTQ+ affirming youth, 18 to 24 years of age, experiencing homelessness by going beyond the expectations of shelter, hope, and healing.
Louisiana
- Youth Oasis Youth Center – Baton Rouge, LA
Drop-in Center for transition-age youth (16-25), providing personal care and homelessness prevention services.
Maine
- Equality Center Maine – Portland, ME
IN PROCESS: We envision a full spectrum community center that houses LGBTQ+ and allied organizations; provides socialization, support and health services; and offers affordable and market-rate rental housing.
Maryland
- Heartly House – Fredrick, MD
Massachusetts
- Bagly, Inc. – Boston, MA Host Homes is an innovative, holistic program to address LGBTQ+ youth homelessness in Massachusetts.
Michigan
- Ruth Ellis Center – Highland Park, MI
Ruth’s House, REC’s Intensive Treatment Unit (ITU) is a licensed and contracted 9-bed residential care facility specifically for self-identifying LGBTQ youth between the ages 12-17 who are under guardianship of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ child abuse/neglect or juvenile justice divisions. The facility offers an open, home-like, community-based setting with programming and services that are heavily focused on developing the practical coping skills that will ensure successful living as a LGBTQ adult. - Ozone House – Ypsilanti, MI
Ozone House answers calls 24/7 from youth and people who care about youth. We are the only organization in Washtenaw County that provides free, voluntary, confidential support for youth and their families, as well as emergency shelter, housing, and support for living independently to runaway, homeless and high-risk youth ages 10-20 and their families.
Minnesotta
- Bridge for Youth – Minneapolis, MN
The Bridge for Youth is a safe and welcoming place that’s open and available whenever you need us.
Mississippi
Missouri
- Our Spot – Kansas City Metro Area
Lion House is an LGBTQ-specific transitional and rapid rehousing program that seeks to come from a community first and housing plus approach.
Montana
- Alliance For Youth – Great Falls, MT
The YRC Drop-in Center is a first point of contact that provides an informal atmosphere to attract and engage youth who are disadvantaged and/or homeless.
Nebraska
Nevada
- Center Advocacy Network – Las Vegas, NV
Providing referrals, advocacy and support for our clients to navigate housing, shelter, food, medical, legal and social needs to relieve stress of crisis and/or trauma to empower them to build a stable foundation on which to recover. - Northern Nevada Hopes – Reno, NV
Here at HOPES, we understand the impact that housing can have on the health of individuals, families, and patients. We are aware of the housing shortage, and especially the shortage of affordable housing. This impacts your health and we hear you. - Salvation Army – Del Oro, NV
Almost one-third of transgender people have been rejected from an emergency shelter. The Salvation Army created a dorm in Las Vegas to offer safety and shelter to this group, which is statistically more vulnerable to assault.
New Hampshire
- Turing Points Network – Claremont, NH
Sullivan County organization welcoming to transgender women and gender non-conforming individuals in need of support. Transgender women also welcome in shelter. - WISE – Lebanon, NH
WISE leads the Upper Valley to end gender-based violence through survivor-centered advocacy, prevention, education and mobilization for social change.
New Jersey
- LGBTQ Rain Foundation – Essex County, NJ
We are providing a solution to LGBT homelessness among our adolescents. By providing housing and an array of detailed, relevant and responsive services we can start to help them transition and heal from any past or present situations and open up a world of opportunities that will enable them to develop sustainable skills and live productive lives. - Covenant House* – locations include; Elizabeth, Newark, Asbury Park, Atlantic City, Camden, and Montclair, NJ
Covenant House provides more than a bed and a meal for youth experiencing homelessness and escaping trafficking; we show unconditional love and give comprehensive support so that our youth can and will realize their fullest potential. - Benson House – Camden, NJ
Benson House provides the tools and resources necessary for male teens to build a strong foundation for a positive future. As one of the only group homes serving male youth ages 15-19 in the southern New Jersey region, Benson House provides a safe home environment for young men to build self-sufficient futures.
New Mexico
- TGRC NM – Albuquerque, NM
We provide advocacy, education, and direct services in support of transgender, gender nonconforming, nonbinary, and gender variant people and their families. - Casa Q NM – Albuquerque, NM
Casa Q is currently accepting referrals for LGBTQ+ youth and allies ages 14-17 who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
New York
- SAGE NYC – New York, NY
LGBT-welcoming housing in NYC. In 2019, SAGE will open two new affordable- housing developments inclusive of LGBT older New Yorkers. - Housing Works – Brooklyn, Bronx, East Village, NYC
Our mission is to provide safe, secure, and stable housing to homeless New Yorkers living with HIV/AIDS and/or other chronic health conditions. - Ali Forney Center – New York, NY
For many homeless LGBT youth, our Emergency Housing Program is their first bed since leaving their home. Unlike other crisis shelters, our Emergency Housing Program is hosted in homelike apartments in Queens and Brooklyn complete with nightly home-cooked meals. - Covenant House* – New York, NY
For over 45 years, Covenant House New York (CHNY) has been a leader in providing residential services to vulnerable homeless, runaway, and exploited youth. - Destination Tomorrow – Bronx, NY
At Destination Tomorrow we are working to develop housing that meets the needs of the LGBT community. Housing that allows clients to work toward obtaining their own apartment or developing the skills to become homeowners, DT’s housing program will be an innovative alternative to the shelter system. Our goal is independent living once clients are ready to move forward, which is accomplished by teaching basic budgeting, credit counseling, and life skills. With our wraparound services we continue to work with you from start to finish, and once you have obtained your new space and moved in. - Princess Janae Place – New York, NY
Princess Janae Place offers a community-based, safe and accessible place for people of transgender experience to connect to critical services and support.
North Carolina
- SAGE Central North Carolina – Raleigh, NC
The SAGE Central North Carolina Housing Initiative will provide education and promote awareness of the special needs of LGBT Seniors to local government, non-profit and for-profit entities in the housing industry. Our options include the construction of new facilities, the purchase and conversion of existing buildings, and the education and training of administration, staff and residents within new and existing senior living facilities so that they can become welcoming and safe environments. Our efforts will include looking into the feasibility of affordable rental, market rate rental and for-purchase housing. - Time Out Youth – Charlotte, NC
Time Out Youth’s Host Home Program helps LGBTQ youth who have been kicked out their homes due to sexual orientation, gender identity and/or gender expression. - LGBTQ Center of Durham – Durham, NC
North Dakota
Ohio
- Kaleidoscope Youth Center – Columbus, OH
We’ve expanded our programs to decrease the risk factors that lead to homelessness and housing insecurity, especially among queer youth,
in Central Ohio. - Lighthouse Youth and Family Services* – Cincinnati, OH
The Host Home Program matches LGBTQ young adults experiencing housing instability with volunteers that are willing to open their homes and hearts while the young adult works towards self-sustainability.
Oklahoma
- SAGE Tulsa – Tulsa, OK
In partnership with its constituents and allies, SAGE Tulsa works to achieve a high quality of life for LGBT older adults, supports and advocates for their rights, fosters a greater understanding of aging in all communities and promotes positive images of LGBT life in later years. - Be The Change – Oklahoma City, OK
Youth outreach program
Oregon
- Friendly House / SAGE Metro Portland – Portland, OR
- New Avenues for Youth – Portland, OR
On-site, community-based, and population-specific (LGBTQ youth, youth in foster care) support housing. - The Living Room – Gladstone, OR
Pennsylvania
- Valley Youth House – Lehigh Valley and Bucks County, PA
- Gloria Caserez Residence – Philadelphia, PA
Gloria Casarez Residence provides 30 LGBTQ-friendly affordable homes for young adults (ages 18-23 at entry) who are homeless, have experienced homelessness or are at risk of homelessness, including those aging out of foster care.
Rhode Island
- Sojourner House – Providence, RI
South Carolina
- We Are Family – Charleston, SC
South Dakota
Tennessee
- My Sistah’s House – Memphis, TN
Providing housing opportunities, educational and legal resources, and support to people in the Transgender community of Memphis - Youth Villages* – Nashville, TN
Providing family support, treatments, and foster-to-adopt programs for children who have experienced family rejection. They have locations throughout East, Middle, and West Tennessee - Launch Pad – Nashville, TN
A volunteer-based initiative striving to provide street free sleep to youth between the ages of 18-24 with a focus on being affirming and welcoming to LGBTQ youth - OUTMemphis Metamorphosis Project Youth Emergency Center – Memphis, TN
The Metamorphosis Project is our nationally-recognized program for youth 18-24 year olds facing homelessness and instability. Barriers to safety in the region far outpace the national landscape. LGBTQ+ youth facing family conflict, domestic abuse, and other intersectional factors must cope with limited friendly resources. Forged in 2017, our community-driven team has housed more than 150 young adults.
Texas
- Covenant House* – Houston, TX
Covenant House Texas (CHT) opened its doors in 1983 to provide shelter for homeless, abused and abandoned youth ages 18 – 24.
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
- T.A.P. (Transgender Assistance Program) – Virginia
Our goal is to offer safe emergency and temporary transitional housing to homeless transgender adults in Virginia, and to help them find the additional resources they need to remove the barriers to self-sufficiency while we continue to provide education surrounding the issues trans people face on a daily basis. - LGBT Life Center – Hampton Roads, VA
We’re proud to provide housing for 300+ people and growing in Hampton Roads. - Trans Inclusion Shelter Project (TISP) – Richmond, VA
Trans Inclusion Shelter Project is a program of Diversity Richmond, dedicated to affecting policy and practice change through homeless shelter and service systems. We are direct service providers, researchers, and policy social workers, working in LGBTQ and/or homeless service agencies and capacities, informed by the voices and experiences of trans folks who have experienced homelessness or have been unstably housed. - Side By Side VA – Richmond, VA
LGBTQ+ young adults 18-25 who are facing difficulty finding or keeping housing are encouraged to reach out to Side by Side for support. We not only place young adults in community host homes, but we also provide support in money management, job readiness, emotional wellness, and more.
Washington
- A Way Home – Statewide
- Youth Care – Seattle, WA
Offering Under-18 and Over-18 community housing with emphasis on LGBTQ+ youth at Isis at Ravenna House.
West Virginia
Wisconsin
- Courage MKE – Milwaukee, WI
The Courage House is a licensed group home on Milwaukee’s south side. Our staff and volunteers are committed to creating an environment in which each resident feels like they are a part of the entire Courage MKE Family. At the Courage House, we assist residents with counseling, healthcare, life skills, family reunification, and provide them the same experiences every child deserves in a family setting.
Wyoming
DONATING TO PRIDE ORGANIZATIONS
I’m ending this post with one last bit of information: While I was researching organizations that offer direct support to people experiencing housing insecurity in the LGBTQ+ community, I was honestly shocked to see how many organizations exist with the mission of “creating a dialogue” or “enhancing the public image of the LGBTQ+ community” but provided no direct community services. While it is important that members of the LGBTQ+ community are viewed by society in a positive light, I believe that offering services to those members of the community is equally as important.
Pride has grown from the physical confrontation with police back in 1969. The LGBTQ+ community in the US has achieved so much. There is much to celebrate. It’s not wrong to be proud of us.
However, Pride has also become increasingly commercialized and profitable. It’s hard for me, as a member of the LGBTQ+ community who sees so much work left to do to end the suffering of my peers, to participate in the traditional Pride experience. To spend my money on rainbow gear that benefits only the corporations who’ve manufactured and sold it feels fraudulent. It feels like we’re ignoring the original goal of the Stonewall Riots and I wonder if our elders would see this world we’ve created around their movement and be proud or even angrier.
Raising awareness that there are members of the LGBTQ+ community feels null in this current age. We have visibility and we have changed so many minds because of it. The ones who still choose to discriminate and hold us back need to be held accountable. Those of us still existing within the margins – especially BIPOC and Transgender members of the LGBTQ+ community – deserve support and protections. Not more rainbow gear.
I hope you choose to spend at least some of your Pride dollars in a way that helps the community. I’ve compiled the above lists in an effort to make that easier for you.
xoxo
Teri