resources for homeless LGBTQ youth
& youth in crisis:
Shelters, community centers, halfway houses, and drop-in groups are saving lives of homeless LGBTQ youth every day. Many major cities have organizations designed to provide resources to homeless LGBTQ kids, however, it hasn’t always been easy to find out about them. Many folks rely on word of mouth to find information about shelters, and drop-in-centers as before now there has not been a comprehensive list of organizations easily accessible.
Bellow you will find an ever growing list of groups that specialize in working with homeless queer youth. We are not directly affiliated with these organizations and thus can’t endorse them, rather this listing is intended to be a resource for individuals to find the services that they need in order to survive.
Don’t see your organization/an organization whose services you have used on the list? Contact us at sassafras@pomofreakshow.com to be added!!!
RESOURCES:
New Zealand:
Rainbow Youth (Auckland)
Phone: 09 376 4155
Web: http://www.rainbowyouth.org.nz
Today Rainbow Youth facilitates regular groups where Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Takataapui and Fa’afafine youth can meet, socialise, and gain support from others experiencing similar issues. These groups are a safe place to find answers to questions with supportive friends.
United Kingdom:
The Albert Kennedy Trust (London)
Phone: 020 7831 6562
Shelter Housing Advice Line 0808 800 4444 (8am-midnight every day)
Web: http://www.akt.org.uk
We will provide you with advice & information and put you in touch with available services in your area and we may be able to match you with an AKT mentor for weekly support or provide you with housing with one of our lesbian or gay carers.
The Albert Kennedy Trust (Manchester)
Phone: 0161 228 3308
Shelter Housing Advice Line 0808 800 4444 (8am-midnight every day)
Web: http://www.akt.org.uk
We will provide you with advice & information and put you in touch with available services in your area and we may be able to match you with an AKT mentor for weekly support or provide you with housing with one of our lesbian or gay carers.
United States:
Arizona:
Eon Youth
Phone: 520-620-6245
Web: http://www.eonyouth.org/
The Eon “Lounge” dro-in center, located in downtown Tucson, is a safe hangout space for youth 23 and under. The center includes a mini-library, computer stations, video games, and art, and it presents programs of interest to LGBTQQ youth.
CALIFORNIA
GLASS Youth and Family Services
PHONE: (818) 239-0112
Web: http://glassla.org
GLASS is proud to be recognized as the nation’s oldest and leading agency delivering social and health care services to self-identified Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Trans-gender, Questioning (GLBTQ) and HIV/AIDS impacted youth.
Los Angeles Lesbian & Gay Center
Phone: 323-993-7501
Web: http://www.lagaycenter.org/site/PageServer?pagename=YW_Youth_Services
If you are among the thousands of lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender young people living on the streets of Los Angeles, the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center is here for you. We offer everything you need to get off the streets and make a better life for yourself: from food, clothing and housing to counseling and job placement services. You aren’t alone.
San Diego Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual Transgender Community Center
Youth Housing Project
Phone: 619-692-2077
Web:www.thecentersd.org/homeless.php
The Youth Housing project provides 23 units of affordable, supportive housing for youth between 18-24 years of age, with a special focus on LGBTQ+ youth who are currently transitioning out of foster care and/or group homes, or living in the streets.
Larkin Street Youth Services (San Francisco)
Phone: 415-673-0911
Web: http://www.larkinstreetyouth.org/programs/index.php
Larkin Street is the only organization in San Francisco that provides the full spectrum of support young people need to achieve their full potential. Our continuum of care offers youth a range of housing options—from emergency to permanent—and wraparound support including case management, counseling, medical care, education and employment programs to meet the varied, complex, and evolving needs of youth who are homeless and on the streets of San Francisco.
COLORADO
Rainbow Alley
Phone: 303-831-044
Web: http://www.glbtcolorado.org/site/c.anKIIPNtEqG/b.487673/k.D904/Youth.htm
Rainbow Alley is a drop-in center designed to support GLBT youth and their allies ages 12-21. Our facility is a warm and welcoming environment, complete with supportive adults and youth. The Alley provides health services, counseling and referral, youth-lead events and activities, and life resources in a safe and supportive space.
Urban Peaks (Colorado Springs)
Phone: 719-630-3223
Web: http://www.urbanpeak.org/
Urban Peak helps young people overcome homelessness and other real life challenges by providing safety, respect, essential services and a supportive community, empowering them to become self-reliant adults.
FLORIDA
ALSO Out Youth (Sarasota)
941-951-2576
Web: http://www.alsoyouth.org/
To promote the health, safety, and personal growth of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and questioning youth. ALSO Out Youth strives to end all forms of violence, harassment and discrimination based on real or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. Located in Sarasota, Florida, ALSO provides its services to youth in Manatee and Sarasota counties.
JASMYN (Jacksonville)
Gay Youth Information Line: (904) 389-0089
Web: http://www.jasmyn.org
Safe Space – Place where youth are accepted, no questions asked and a place to talk about LGBTQQ issues and thoughts
Sun Serve
Phone:
Web: http://www.sunserve.org/youthgrp.html
We are a youth group that promotes a safe environment where everyone respects everyone, and there is no harassment, bullying or violence. We have a group for youth aged 13-17, and 18-21! Even though our group has professional adult supervision, we’re almost 100% for youth, by youth. We facilitate meetings, and make sure they are really fun and cool for everyone.
The Alliance for LGBTQ Youth
Phone: toll free: 1-866-634-8087
Web: www.glbtalliance.com
GLBTQ youth are among the most vulnerable children. The body research literature is just beginning to flourish, but the previous decade of research finds exceptionally high rates of suicide, attempted suicide, drug and alcohol abuse, drop out, homelessness and sexual risk-taking among young people who self-identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender.
The Alliance for GLBTQ Youth focuses on this county-wide at risk group and their families for several reasons. First, the proper security needed for sexual orientation self-acceptance are largely absent for GLBT youth. This is a society problem and the reason why the Alliance also focuses on the adults – parents, teachers, health care practitioners, and community stakeholders. Second, the “need” has shown itself to exist in every socioeconomic, demographic, and geographic furrow of Miami-Dade. This is why the Alliance for GLBTQ Youth serves the entire county.
Pridlines Youth Services
Phone: (305) 571-9601
Web: www.pridelines.org
* All the decisions we make focus, as their ultimate goal, on the improvement of the lives of GLBTQ youth in South Florida.
* We focus on identifying resources for GLBTQ youth to create the most comprehensive system of services for them.
* We work together in building relationships based on equality and respect.
* Our programs are flexible and respond to the emerging needs and issues of the youth and community.
* We are committed to creating a nurturing and inspiring environment that encourages self-expression and personal growth.
* We have a demonstrated commitment to providing leadership opportunities to empower GLBTQ youth as full participants in the governance of their own services.
GEORGIA
Chris Kids Rainbow Project (Atlanta)
Phone: 404-486-9034
Web: http://www.chriskids.org/programsRainbow.htm
The CHRIS Kids Rainbow Program provides a safe and supportive residence for homeless and runaway gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth. Rainbow is a transitional living life skills program for homeless and runaway sexual minority youth that provides both services and referrals. Life and job skills training are provided as youth become connected with a variety of community resources such as counseling, medical and legal services and volunteer opportunities.
ILLINOIS
Open Door Youth Center (Bloomington)
Phone: 309-827-2437
Web:http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=153513326
Open Door Youth Center is a youth group for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) teens and their straight friends. We meet every Friday night from 7:30-10:30 in the Connections Community Center in Downtown Bloomington (about half a block north of the Historical Museum on Main St.). Every week we host new events and programs from movie and game nights to dance groups and improv theater. Our main focus is to educate you (the youth/young adults of Bloomington-Normal) about the GLBT community as well as promote safe sex and HIV/AIDS prevention. We also provide support to youth and young adults in the issues of coming out, self-esteem, issues with work and school, suicide, body image, and self acceptance.
Teen Living Programs
Phone: 773-548-4443, ext. 28
Web: http://www.vnafoundation.net/applying/model0902.htm
Teen Living Programs has successfully served homeless and at-risk youth in Chicago for more than twenty-six years. Beginning as a specialized house care program for hard to place older wards of the state, TLP now provides an integrated network of emergency services and residential programs to homeless and runaway youth. The mission of Teen Living Programs is to create hope and opportunity for homeless and runaway youth by assisting them to permanently leave the streets, secure stable housing, and build self-sufficient, satisfying lives. Our mission is guided by the belief that all youth are entitled to a safe and loving home, where they gain an assurance of belonging, a desire for independence, a commitment to competence, and a heart of compassion.
INDIANA
Indiana Youth Group (Indianapolis)
Phone: 317-545-8549
Web: http://www.indianayouthgroup.org/aboutus/aboutus.php
Founded in 1987 as a response to the needs of self-identified Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender or Questioning youth, Indiana Youth Group held its first meeting in the living room of founders, Chris Gonzales and Jeff Werner with support from Pat Jordan. It was a mere five years after those meager beginnings that IYG was named a Special Project of National Significance for its programs protecting the mental and physical health of Indiana’s LGBT youth. IYG now proudly operates a drop in and program facility donated by the Health Foundation of Greater Indianapolis, which was renovated and maintained by community supporters.
IOWA
Iowa Homeless Youth Centers (Des Moines)
Phone: 515-883-2379
Web: http://www.yss.ames.ia.us/ihyc/
The Iowa Homeless Youth Centers works to eliminate homelessness among children, youth, and young mothers in Polk County. We believe, with support and assistance, homeless individuals and families can live independently and attain self-sufficiency.
United Action for Youth (GLBTQ&A Youth Group) (Iowa City)
Phone: 319-338-7518
Web: http://www.unitedactionforyouth.org/id92.html
The GLBTQ&A Youth Group is a free, informal, drop-in social and support group for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, questioning and allied junior and senior high aged youth. The mission of UAY is to assist youth and families in helping themselves to a healthy future. We do this by offering youth development, counseling and prevention programs that make use of young people’s talents, creativity and energies.
MASSACHUSETTS
Home for Little Wanderers (Walthman House) (BOSTON)
Phone: 781-647-9976
Web:http://www.thehome.org/site/PageServer?pagename=programs_waltham_house
Waltham House is a group home program designed to provide a safe and supportive living environment for up to 12 gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) youth ages 14-18. The program also serves youth who may be questioning (Q) their sexual orientation and/or gender identity. Many young people have previously experienced difficulty due to their gender or sexuality identities. Waltham House offers residents a safe place to live while they prepare for family reunification, independent living, and future self-sufficiency.
DIAL/SELF
413-774-7054
Web: www.dialself.org
We are a community-based non-profit agency that has been serving the youth and communities of Western MA since 1977. We provide a wide array of services that foster youth empowerment and community service. Over the course of the last three decades, more than 16,000 area youth have been served by the agency in Franklin and Hampshire Counties and the North Quabbin Region.
MICHIGAN
Ruth Ellis Center (Highland Park)
313-252-1950
Web: http://www.ruthelliscenter.com
Ruth Ellis Center is one of only 4 youth social service agencies in the nation dedicated to helping LGBTQ eens and young adults who are experiencing homelessness. No one else, no other agency, no place or shelter in the entire Midwest is specifically designed to help our community’s youth who have been discarded or unable to be cared for by their families.
Ozone House (Ann Arbor)
Phone: 734-662-2265
Web: http://www.ozonehouse.org/
Since 1969, Ozone House has provided a safe place, shelter and continued support to thousands of runaway, homeless and high-risk youth in our community who don’t have a safe place to call home.
MINNESOTA
YouthLink: Project Offstreets Drop In Center (Minneapolis)
Phone: 612-252-1241
Web: http://www.youthlinkmn.org/?q=programs/project_offstreets
This is a safe and responsive place — it is a one-stop multi-service center offering a stable place for youth to move past immediate survival and realize their full, individual potential. We assist youth with all their needs. This includes help finding emergency shelter, stable housing and jobs. Reuniting with family is also an important part of our work.
YouthLink: Youth Housing Minneapolis)
Phone: 612-252-1200
Web: http://www.youthlinkmn.org/
YouthLink is one of the largest and most experienced nonprofit youth service providers in the Twin Cities. We specialize in the multiple needs of homeless and precariously housed youth (14-21). Street outreach, emergency crisis assistance, basic needs support, case management, housing support services, education, career/life transition planning and health and wellness are key areas of agency focus.
District 202 (Minneapolis)
Phone: 612-871-5559
Web: http://www.district202.org
District 202 is a nonprofit youth community center committed to providing social, cultural and educational opportunities by and for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) youth and their friends.
NEW YORK
Ali Forney Center (Manhattan/Brooklyn)
Phone: 212-206-0574
Web: http://www.aliforneycenter.org/
The Ali Forney Center (AFC) was started in June of 2002 in response to the lack of safe shelter for LGBT youth in New York City. We are committed to providing these young people with safe, dignified, nurturing environments where their needs can be met, and where they can begin to put their lives back together.
Green Chimneys (Runaway & Homeless Youth Programs) (Manhattan)
Phone: 212-491-5911
Web: http://www.greenchimneys.org/
Did you know 40% of NYC’s homeless youth identify themselves as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or questioning? Green Chimneys’ New York City programs offers a safe haven for LGBTQ youth.
Sylvia’s Place (Manhattan)
Phone: 718-300-0133
Web: http://www.sylviasplace.org/
‘Sylvia’s Place’, an emergency night shelter for self identified Gay, Lesbian, Bi-sexual, transgendered, transsexual and questioning youth from 16 to 23 years of age. Its primary focus is to provide a safe space, a good meal, bathroom facilities and toiletries, a cot for the night and breakfast in the morning. The Care Workers provide a listening ear, affirmation, and a friendly voice of encouragement.
North Carolina
North Carolina Lambda Youth Network
Phone: 919-683-3037
Web: http://www.nclyn.org
North Carolina Lambda Youth Network (NCLYN) is a nonprofit organization supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning and allied (LGBTQA) youth through leadership development and social justice.
Ohio
The LGBT Center of Greater Cleveland- Street Outreach:
Phone: 888-429-8761.
Web: www.lgcsc.org/
Tuesdays and Wednesdays we are in local libraries providing information and referral. Each Thursday, from 5:30-10pm, we are in two locations on the near-west side of Cleveland in a mobile clinic providing personal help and a friendly face to help you find stable shelter, answer medical questions, get HIV testing, food, clothing and hygiene kits. If you are in need of help and are ages 14-24 call or come see us. For more information call Maureen at 888-429-8761.
Oregon
SMYRC (Portland)
Phone: 503-872-9664
Web: http://www.smyrc.org
SMYRC provides a safe, supervised, harassment-free, and alcohol- and drug-free space for sexual minority youth 23 and younger. Youth gather to participate in positive activities like art, music, community organizing, youth development, education, peer support, support groups, case management, counseling, and job readiness preparation.
Sometimes I sit and wonder where I would be without SMYRC and the people I met there. Tara, SMYRC youth
UTAH
Volunteers of America (Salt Lake City)
Phone: 801-364-0744
Web:http://www.voaut.org/Services/HomelessOutreachHousing/HomelessYouthResourceCenter/tabid/2373/Default.aspx
Each weekday, youth outreach workers seek out homeless street youth in Salt Lake County. By providing basic need items and the establishing trust outreach workers seek to encourage youth to follow-up for services at the Drop-In Center or to seek other services available in the community. If needed, the outreach team provides transportation to service providers.
VERMONT
SPECTRUM Youth & Family Services (Burlington)
Phone: 802-864-5396
Web: http://www.spectrumvt.org/
We have the unique capacity to support and help young people address factors that can interfere with their transition to adulthood such as mental health, physical health, joblessness, and substance abuse. Youth have access to our emergency shelter, long-term residential program, mental health and substance abuse counseling, educational services and an employment program, and much more. Young people whose lives are unimaginably unstable and traumatic, but who manage to show up at our door day after day, continually inspire us.
WASHINGTON
Lambert House (Seattle)
Phone: 206-322-2515
Web: http://www.lamberthouse.org/
Lambert House is a center for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning youth and their allies that encourages empowerment through the development of leadership, social and life skills.
YouthCare (Seattle)
Phone: 206.985.8343
Web: http://www.youthcare.org/page.cfm?pagename=about%20us
There are close to 1,000 homeless youth in Seattle every night. They sleep in cars, abandoned buildings, under bridges and on friend’s couches. These young people are often homeless because the streets are safer than home. Many have been abused and abandoned. Their stories are tragic. Once on the streets, kids have few resources to find food, clothing and shelter for survival. Without proper resources youth are more likely to turn to destructive behaviors, such as crime, prostitution and drugs. Every youth should have a warm place to stay, healthy food, caring adults, and opportunities to grow and succeed. YouthCare delivers services that meet the needs of Seattle’s homeless and at-risk youth.
WISCONSIN
Project Q (Milwaukee)
Phone: 414.223.3220
Web: http://www.projectq.org/
Wide variety of youth drop-in activities are currently scheduled throughout the week. Activities include art, discussion groups, poetry readings, movie nights, dances & Drag Shows. Drop-In activities are designed to ensure safety, accessibility and comfort for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, questioning youth and their straight allies. We run Milwaukee’s First and Only LGBT Youth Drop-In Center. Project Q’s LGBT Youth Drop-In Center operates a coffee bar, youth library, four computer work stations, lounge area with TV, VCR, and cable, and plenty of peer/adult support.