LEARNING FROM THE FIELD: SERVING LGBTQI2-S YOUTH EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS Laura Hughes, Bonnie Wade, & Wayne Centrone

Webcast Schedule Introductions The Issue HRC Listening Tour Spotlight Programs Creative Solutions: Detroit and Chicago Q&A: Consumers, Panelists, and Audience

Every year, an estimated 575,000 to 1.6 million unaccompanied youth between ages 12 to 17 experience homelessness in the United States.

The Issues As many as 40% of youth who experience homelessness identify as LGBTQI2-S. Between 240,000 and 400,000 LGBTQI2-S youth experience at least one episode of homelessness each year. This population experiences greater physical and sexual exploitation while homeless than their heterosexual peers. LGBTQ youth who are homeless are disproportionately African American and American Indian

Pathways into Homelessness LGBTQI2-S homeless youth experience family disorder, dysfunctional relationships, and rejection. Up to 10% of youth engaged in the foster care system identify as LGBTQI2-S. 25% of LGBTQI2-S homeless youth report being thrown out of their homes.

Families of Origin 75% have family members with severe alcohol and drug problems. 25% report family rejection as the primary cause of their homelessness. A study in four mid-western states showed that 39% of gay males left home due to conflict over their sexual orientation.

Life on the Streets Openness can lead to physical violence or being thrown out of one’s home. Experience 7.4 more acts of sexual violence during their lifetime than their heterosexual homeless peers. LBT females are more likely to exchange money for sex than GBT young men. More likely than heterosexual homeless youth to engage in the sex trade.

Other Documents Visit HRC’s Topic page “LGBTQI2-S Youth” for more resourcesLGBTQI2-S Youth

Listening Tour Objectives Objective 1: Review model programs serving the needs of LGBTQI2-S youth. Objective 2: Identify the promising practices of care delivery and supportive services that can be showcased as a model. Objective 3: Provide concrete steps for agencies to implement promising strategies in their programs.

Listening Tour Critical Findings Develop Trusting Relationships by Fostering a Strengths-Based Approach Develop Culturally Competent Staff Empower Consumers Design Responsive Services Interventions Develop Community Partnerships Expand Public Awareness

Ruth Ellis Center History Geography & Demographics—City of Detroit & Highland Park Service Overview & Program Design

Ruth Ellis Center mission To provide short and long term residential safe space and support services for runaway, homeless, and at-risk lesbian, gay, bi-attractional, transgender, and questioning youth.

Second Stories

Ruth’s House

Ruth Ellis Center Challenge: Permanence

Ruth Ellis Center Response: Youth Driven Spaces Outcome: Meaningful Youth Engagement & Empowerment Examples include a youth advisory board, house meetings, peer outreach and drop in center workers, and Out and Upfront Leadership Development & Advocacy Programming

Response: Strength-Based Approach Outcome: Provide a home-like setting Examples include talent development of staff, LGBTQ specific mental health services, and positive adult role models Ruth Ellis Center

Response: Community Engagement Outcome: Meaningful partnerships and increased safe spaces for LGBTQ youth Examples include training for CPS workers, foster parents, mental health providers, and school based advocacy

UCAN History Agency Services Diversity Journey

UCAN circa 1926

UCAN circa 2010

LGBTQ Host Home Program: UCAN’s Mission To assist LGBTQ Youth who experience homelessness in the transition to interdependence by providing community- based host homes and support.

LGBTQ Host Home Program UCAN We begin work at the following intersections: Anti-oppression framework Positive youth development Trauma informed Multi-generational

Youth Empowerment Interview Matching Process House Courtesies Life Road Map LGBTQ Host Home Program UCAN

Multi-generational Approach Advisory Council Host Volunteer & Youth Outreach Training LGBTQ Host Home Program UCAN

Strategic Partnerships Faith based organizations Social justice organizations Volunteers LGBTQ Host Home Program UCAN

Create specific partnerships to serve specific sub-groups Challenge in Chicago: supporting unstably housed youth as they enter college Response: community leader offers housing Outcome: UCAN and community leader developing specific host home in 3-flat for unstably housed college students LGBTQ Host Home Program UCAN

Final thoughts The messiness is the very work we signed up to do Celebrate mistakes Each youth is on a journey that is uniquely their own

Q & A Justine Hanson, HRC Wayne Centrone, HRC Laura Hughes, Ruth Ellis Center Bonnie Wade, UCAN Curtis, Ruth Ellis Center Malaundja Gayles, UCAN

Contact US Please contact any of the presenters with questions about references, HRC resources, The Listening Tour, or program specifics: Wayne Centrone, Homelessness Resource Center, Laura Hughes, Ruth Ellis Center, Bonnie Wade, UCAN, Host Home Program,