Help Homeless LGBT Youth
Homeless LGBT youth is a serious problem and often times leaves the youth with little or no viable housing option. "The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates the number of homeless and runaway youth ranges from 575,000 to 1.6 million per year. According to the National Runaway Switchboard, 20 to 40 percent identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT). LGBT youth experience homelessness at an alarmingly disproportionate rate." (Sklar) By and large LGBT youth have a great need for safe housing and it often goes unmet.
Many youth still have high school to complete when they make the brave decision to finally come out. Sadly, their bravery goes unnoticed and they can and do end up isolated, homeless, and alone. It is a reality that seems unpalatable to some, but it happens regularly and disproportinately to LGBT youth. Many of us know what the familial isolation feels like, or the loss of our friends simply for stating out loud our orientation.
In recognition of the youth that need support, a home, and deserve to feel safe I would ask you to give thoughtful consideration to opening your home. It does happen here in the La Crosse area and currently there is a homeless youth that is simply trying to finish high school but is homeless. If you have the space and would be interested in becoming a safe shelter for a homeless LGBT youth please contact the center at 784-0452.
Everyone deserves a home that is safe, where they can be themselves.
Rosanne
Sklar, Roberta. "Press." National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. 24 Oct
2007. National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. 30 Sep 2008