Rachel graduated with a bachelor's degree of journalism and mass communications from New Mexico State University. LGBTQ+ youth contemplate suicide at almost three times the rate of heterosexual youth. How does The Salvation Army respond to allegations of discrimination? SNAPS In Focus: Equal Access for Transgender People. The mission of The Shade Tree is to provide safe shelter to homeless and abused women and children in crisis and to offer life-changing services promoting stability, dignity and self-reliance. This approach, together with the awareness we have raised among staff to ensure a welcoming, affirming, and safe space for LGBTQ+ youth, distinguishes Covenant House as a provider of shelter that addresses the whole person, with all of that young person's experience and potential. Emergency Lodge Night Shelter Interviews with over 6,400 transgender and gender non-conforming people make it the largest such study ever conducted. Between 20 and 40 percent of all homeless youth identify as members of the LGBTQ community, and for them, homelessness or the threat of homelessness frequently forces youth into survival behaviors that jeopardize their wellbeing and safety. HUD grantees can submit requests for formal program guidance or share resources they've found effective by submitting a request to the HUD Exchange Ask A Question (AAQ) portal. Our hearts, services, and facilities are open to all. Select the appropriate program CoC: Continuum of Care, ESG: Emergency Solutions Grants, or HOPWA: Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS and enter "Equal Access Rule" for the subject. The Salvation Army recognizes the need for all people, regardless of income, to have access to rehabilitation programs. Our unique programs help LGBTQ+ individuals cultivate vital life skills needed for successful and stable careers. The organization serves as the federally designated national communication system for runaway and homeless youth. sleeping allowing for 800 guests at a time to have a safe place to go and The Salvation Army's LGBTQ Safety Dorm was opened initially as a safe place for transgender men and women to stay in 2013. While in the shelter, clients will be able to take showers, do laundry, and stay hydrated. As one of the nation's largest providers of social services, we understand the importance of helping people maintain their dignity when looking for nutritious food by providing options. A Renaissance man, the young Gathercole excelled at handcrafts, sewing, painting, carpentry and design. If you do not receive an email check your spam or junk mail folder. Period. or Yes. In Las Vegas, we have a dorm that is exclusively for transgender individuals. Help them access the resources they need to thrive. FIND SERVICES HERE An Organization Empowering the Community "Bright Star Foundation is a unique organization that focuses on one thing.improving the lives of people who were once homeless." -Rob Schlegel Director MORE ABOUT US They face difficulty in trying to find support services, especially since they may be harassed in shelters by peers or staff and therefore feel uncomfortable and unsafe seeking help. broken. services through a variety partners, the cycle of homelessness can be The tests measured the degree to which transgender homeless women can access shelter in accordance with their gender identity, as well as the types of discrimination and mistreatment they face in the process. LGBTQ Americans are more likely to be poor. YOUTH CENTER. Please check your email for the confirmation message and click on the activation link! In retirement the two men traveled from pole to pole but they did not forget the LGBTQIA community. Office Phone: 1-702-385-0072. Two new LGBTQIA housing units for vulnerable persons, which flowed from the love of two gay men for each other, have now opened in Las Vegas. National LGBTQ+ Youth Homelessness Research Agenda. lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transexual, queer, questioning, and 2-spirited youth (LGBTQ2S+) are underrepresented in the general youth population, but, as in the U.S., they are overrepresented among all young people facing homelessness. Make your gift today Have You Seen Us on TV? In providing its programs and services, The Salvation Army is committed to accommodating all those in need without unlawful discrimination or harassment based on age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, marital status, disability, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic in accordance with our capacity to help. Learn about what HUD grantees are doing across the nation. This tool is intended for administrative staff, however, front line staff may also benefit from reading the tool and assisting in the assessment process. The Salvation Army seeks to be a welcome, safe place for all people. Donations can be dropped off at 5599 S Pecos Road Las Vegas, NV 89120 between the hours of 2pm and 6pm or by appointment. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. As the Nation's housing agency, HUD administers programs designed to meet the goal of ensuring decent housing and a suitable living environment for all. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination. This message discusses the challenges transgender people face in accessing community services and HUD's commitment to ensuring that all persons experiencing homelessness have access to inclusive and nondiscriminatory housing. MacFarlane said a disproportional number LGBTQ youth, especially transgender people, experience homelessness. There is an equally serious homelessness issue in the trans community and Bright Star also is working to help alleviate part of that problem. National Center for Biotechnology Information Individual projects can use these brief scenarios and discussion points as the foundation of staff training sessions to support transgender-inclusive projects. Please enter a valid email address (my@email.com), Inmate Explore featured publications and browse regulations, policy guidance, toolkits, and other resources. Browse the library of grantee reports and plans, organized by program. Four out of ten homeless youth identify as LGBTQ. Remembering Terry Wilsey: Steve Friess pays tribute to the longtime LGBTQ, COVID-19 vaccines slowly start to be disbursed in Southern Nevada, Welcome, 2021: Local leaders, business owners and community members look forward, Cortez Masto pushes for cost-saving energy efficiency and proper ventilation in, We Need to Talk, UNLV Libraries panel discussions examine systemic racism, As We See It: Thanks, Steve Sisolak; and remembering one, Suzie Lee: Vote like our lives depend on it, because in, A.R. More than a quarter of LGBTQ+ Americans are food insecure and rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). A nationwide effort to amplify the voices of grassroots organizations working to end homelessness. Despite progress toward hiring equality, LGBTQ+ Americans often lack access to educational resources, counseling services, and vocational training to help them obtain well-paying jobs. Most major U.S. cities including Las Vegas, Nevada, offer some type of shelter for persons in need. In that moment, I didnt feel homeless or like a marginalized kid." Abuse or harassment from other shelter residents or staff. This research is a great resource to increase knowledge about homelessness in the LGBTQ community and can aid practitioners as they work to design culturally appropriate interventions. A third building may be in the works. Jon fell in love with his husbands homeland and they visited annually. Jon became adopted by Claudes family and Claude says he became more French than me!. Almost one-third of homeless transgender people have been rejected from an emergency shelter. Las Vegas officials passed a law last year making it illegal for the homeless to sleep on streets when beds are available at local shelters. Disclaimer: All peer approved resources shared on the HUD Exchange have been provided by the organization that developed them. Syncere Harris has stayed at the safety dorm. Raffin serves as the Bright Star board president and continues Jons vision. They said up to 40 percent of homeless youth identify as LGBTQ. Your donation could mean rental and utilities assistance.Donate now. Since then, the dorm has doubled in size to 18 beds and has broadened its reach to all who identify as LGBTQ. The database consists of over 3,000 listings and includes emergency shelters, homeless shelters, day shelters, transitional housing, shared housing, residential drug alcohol rehabilitation programs and permanent affordable housing. The link will be active for 7days. lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transexual, queer, questioning, and 2-spirited youth (LGBTQ2S+) are underrepresented in the general youth population, but, as in the U.S., they are overrepresented among all young people facing homelessness. To find help in your area, use the "Locations"search feature at salvationarmyusa.org.Donate now. Street - assisting homeless, abandoned, and at-risk youth in the Las Housing & Homelessness - National Center for Transgender Equality All Are Welcome in Love's Army. Find answers to frequently asked questions. In Washington D.C. alone, 43% of homeless youth identify as LGBTQ. We also should better ensure that homeless youth are able to continue their education. 702.701.5347 Day Resource Center Now open every day from 8 AM - 4 PM. She had been robbed and lost all of her identification and documents. Start your monthly gift of $19 today. Despite progress toward hiring equality, LGBTQ Americans often lack access to educational resources, counseling services, and vocational training to help them obtain well-paying jobs. Our hiring practices are open to all, and we provide the same benefits to opposite-sex and same-sex couples. According a survey of homeless service providers administered by the Williams Institute at UCLA, 68% of the homeless youth they served had a history of family rejection, 65% had a history of mental health issues (such as depression or anxiety), and 54% had a history of family abuse (physical, emotional, or sexual). Our doors are open 24/7 in 34 cities across six countries and our high-quality programs are designed to empower young people to rise and overcome adversity, today and in the future. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination. For a long time, it was very difficult for LGBTQ people, especially trans people, to get access to emergency services because of discrimination, not only by staff but also safety concerns from other patrons, said trans and gender diversity coordinator for theLGBTQ+ Center of Southern NevadaRay MacFarlane, who prefers gender-neutral pronouns. Claude and Jon had been together for 41 years. Don't turn away. Donate now. Its message is based on the Bible. 1501 Las Vegas Blvd North, Las Vegas, NV 89101 702.385.2662 Search. He designed and handsewed a huge closet of costumes and gowns. . . The goal of PIVOT is to provide a SAFE SPACE that provides community education and support for every member of the family. Donate now. young people who identify as LGBTQ+ in Honduras and Guatemala, in Central Americas Northern Triangle, face some of the worst discrimination, marginalization, and violence at the hands of family, peers, security forces, and gang members. H omelessness is a perennial crisis in southern Nevada, with at least 6,500 people camped on streets or in storm drains, many of them battling addiction. State-issued photo identification, or ID, cards are, for a variety of reasons, difficult to obtain for many LGBT and homeless youth. services building, a day room, and shower and restroom facilities. He became active in the gay rights movement through the Mattachine Society and the Society for Individual Rights (SIR). the city opened an expansion of the courtyard. Disgusted by local attitudes and with an opportunity for work in Las Vegas, Amanda relocated in August and immediately became active with The Centers trans and binary programs. Does The Salvation Army consider the sexual orientation or gender identity of an applicant in its hiring practices? And, while LGBTQ+ youth make up only 7% of the total U.S. youth population, they comprise an astounding 40% of all young people experiencing homelessness in the country, according to one estimate. Up to 40% of homeless youth identify as LGBTQ, while the general youth population is only 10% LGBTQ. Almost one-third of homeless transgender people have been rejected from an emergency shelter. In every ZIP code of America, services are offered without discrimination.. Since August 2017, the city and service providers at the courtyard have been He said they all look out for each other. And see what are the differences here, why is itthat youth are homeless at higher rates in the queer community and what are the barriers to services and how can we improve those.. They said Nevada has one of the highest rates of homeless youth and one of the lowest rates of sheltering thoseyouth. Yes. Explore collections of guided learning opportunities on a variety of topics. Request in-depth assistance with implementing a HUD-funded program. To that end, the program promotes efforts by its funded grantees to build relationships between street outreach workers and homeless street youth. 938 The Alameda San Jose, CA 95126 Phone: 408-293-3040 Intake Line: 408-343-7940 Email: youthprog@defrank.org SPECTRUM www.spectrumlgbtcenter.org Get Help | Help Hope Home The handsome young couple moved to Santa Barbara where they discovered their life vocation in real estate. Its a youth issue. more likely to be poor. Donations can be made online atbrightstargives.orgby using the Contact-Donate drop downmenu., Bright Star Foundation opens LGBTQ housing. These plans include strategies to prevent LGBTQ youth from becoming homeless and intervene as early as possible if they do become homeless. The Center was already serving youth without homes by connecting them to services and innovating ways to help when services were not available. The document helps providers ensure that individuals seeking placement or accommodation in a shelter or other building or facility and housing funded under a program administered by the Office of Community Planning and Development (CPD) are aware of HUDs equal access policy, as established in HUDs 2012 Equal Access Rule, and elaborated upon in the Equal Access in Accordance with Gender Identity Final Rule published in the Federal Register on September 21, 2016. Review of the LGBTQ Youth Homelessness Prevention Initiative Planning Phase. And without discrimination. Macfarlane said, It is a celebration, but also a call to action. Your donation will allow us to continue to provide crucial services to the LGBTQ+ community. In 2021, Covenant House approved a new youth inclusion policy to guide the protection of LBGTQ+ youth at our sites and safeguard their rights. 3/40 Blueprint was initiated to identify challenges and goals, and help transitional living programs develop solutions better aligned with LGBTQ youths unique needs. In addition, the city's homeless outreach, or MORE (Multi-agency Outreach Claude says that Jon developed lifelong friendships with the generations of families whom he helped to find homes. 2 The Voices of Youth Count project from Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago found that LGBTQ young adults are more However, few existing studies of youth engaged in survival sex use peer-to-peer interviews to explore LGBTQ youths perspectives on their own experiences, circumstances, service needs, and desires for individual and social change. Salvation Army Insists It's on Our Side -Really, Transgender homeless finding more options in Las Vegas (Las Vegas Review-Journal), Columbus Dispatch article on The Salvation Army and the LGBTQ+ Community, In the Spirit: Gay Man Recalls Kindness Shown by Salvation Army (Wisconsin State Journal), Setting the record straight on the Salvation Army (San Diego Gay & Lesbian News), The Salvation Army's Response to Australian Radio Interview, San Francisco: Why The Salvation Army has a presence at Pride events, services are equally available to anyone, and, homeless shelters, transitional housing programs, permanent supportive housing services, and re-entry resources. The man who others said always made me smile or had me laughing, or left me happy was gone, but Claude said Jons desire to bring happiness to others did not end with his death. This list has homeless shelters, halfway houses, affordable housing, etc. The Salvation Army provides the same benefits to all of its employees, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. Macfarlane says that the two buildings are a monumental milestone for the Las Vegas LGBTQIA community, but also a drop in the bucket of the need. A starting point where homeless individuals can go to access resources all in Homelessness and Housing | Youth.gov Get help by calling Our hiring practices are open to all, and we provide the same benefits to opposite-sex and same-sex couples. Most referrals come through The LGBTQ Center of Southern Nevada, and in fact, the projects executive director is Dr. Ray McFarlane, an employee of The Center, who splits their time between The Center and Bright Star, which reimburses The Center for their salary. Years of research and countless studies have repeatedly shown that discrimination threatens not only access to housing but the stability of communities. LGBTQ+ Youth & Gay Homeless Shelter | Covenant House Diversity can be challenging, but we strive to build understanding among each other at Covenant House, where our residents are, indeed, a microcosm of the surrounding society. Youth - The Center LV The posting of these documents on the HUD Exchange is not intended as an endorsement of the documents by HUD or any of its contractors. The Salvation Army supports the Christian conviction that all people are made in the image of God and are equal in value. Opening Doors For Homeless & Trafficked Youth, 40% of all young people experiencing homelessness, they are overrepresented among all young people facing homelessness, Covenant House developed a trauma-informed, resilience-focused approach, "Without a Home: The National Youth Homelessness Survey,", Every Day I Live in Fear: Violence and Discrimination Against LGBT People in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, and Obstacles to Asylum in the United States,. Community-Wide Prevention of LGBTQ Youth Homelessness: Lessons Learned During Planning Phase. If we have the capacity to help, we will help. Covenant House, the largest provider of services to young people facing homelessness and survivors of human trafficking in the Americas, is committed to ensuring that all of our houses across our movement are welcoming, affirming, and safe for young people who identify as LGBTQ+. Youth like Rubi, who experienced family rejection and found community and opportunity at Covenant House New Orleans. Gurneys Love Letters arrives in time for Valentines Day, The Center receives a $10,000 grant for its pharmacy addition, Nevadas criminalization of HIV must stop now, Vegas Astrology: World events are not your fault, Scorpio; do what, Current voters support marriage equality by two thirds, Remembering Terry Wilsey: Steve Friess pays tribute to the longtime LGBTQ community member, Cortez Masto pushes for cost-saving energy efficiency and proper ventilation in K-12 schools, We Need to Talk, UNLV Libraries panel discussions examine systemic racism and possible solutions. Margaret Elisabeth, a member of the Covenant House Alumni Community, arrived at Covenant House Texas in the 1980s. Thats one of the reasons why the LGBTQ Center of Southern Nevada, along with the Salvation Army and the Brightstar Foundation,re-opened a safety dorm this month. If you want to use this email address as your user name, click the Resend Activation Email button. Many LGBTQ youth have been abused at homeless shelters, especially those meant for adults, while many others avoid shelters altogether. Waldron says the community can help provide support for residents in finding employment or acquiring job search skills and tools. Media Blitz to focus on Homelessness June 29th, Civil Rights & Criminalization of Homelessness. PDF Resources for LGBTQ Youth By State - Lambda Legal Surviving the Streets of New York: Experiences of LGBTQ Youth, YMSM, and YWSW Engaged in Survival Sex. In 2011, the National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) and the National LGBTQ Task Force released the National Transgender Discrimination Survey. If you believe you have experienced (or are about to experience) housing discrimination, you should contact HUD's Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity for help at (800) 669-9777. This brief is the second in a series of Research-to-Impact briefs by Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago on understanding and addressing youth homelessness. Raffin was scheduled for promotion to the rank of colonel, but when the Army discovered that he was living with Jon, his general in command strongly recommended that he retire from the armed services. 702-229-6117 Bright Star Foundation, conceived by Jon Gathercole and Lt. Col. Claude Raffin (USA, Ret. Thinking of what they could do to help other youths avoid this horrible situation, in 2015, Claude and Jon co-founded the Bright Star Foundation to assist LGBTQIA youth without homes in the several of the Western states of the U.S. Jon became stricken with lung cancer in 2018 and he died just months after his diagnosis at age 70. MacFarlane said Nevada needs to do more to provide affordable housing and transitional housing for everyone. Those interested also may also work with case managers for additional services and referrals. While in Billings, Amanda began her transition surgery. Family participation is encouraged. Homeless LGBTQ youth are more likely than their straight counterparts to engage in survival sex (the exchange of sexual favors for basic needs, like food, clothing, and shelter), with a Canadian study finding that transgender youth are 3 times more likely to engage in survival sex than cisgendered youth. While accessing homeless shelters is difficult for anyone, transgender women face particular issues and barriers that have yet to be addressed. A main goal of this study is to describe and quantify these youths experiences and characteristics to gain a better understanding of their engagement in survival sex and how the support networks and systems in their lives have both helped them and let them down. Get Involved If you are interested in volunteering, contact us at streetteenslv@gmail.com. Because LGBTQ Americans living in poverty often experience unacceptable homophobia and transphobia, many become homeless. An All-America City. Our unique programs help individuals cultivate vital life skills needed for successful and stable careers. Now, they can live together in sustainable housing. Yes. Claude says, Jon had the ability to walk into a room full of strangers and leave with at least 20 new friends!. Hear Richards story of recovery through the Salvation Armys Adult Rehabilitation Center in Denver that demonstrated he was worthy of Christs love. In a study conducted by the Williams Institute School of Law at UCLA, 17% of the members of the LGBTQ community in the survey stated that they had experienced homelessness at a point in their life. We embrace people regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Our hearts, services, and facilities are open to all. Yes. Training Scenarios for Use with Project Staff. The Salvation Army USA Central Territory Donate now. A kitchen in one unit, which will be shared by Bright Star roommates. We need to address the role unsafe schools have in promoting youth homelessness, and aggressively address school bullying. She needed help getting a phone to connect with family for assistance, and an apartment she could rent that would accept her income. Serving people in LGBTQIA+ community and their allies experiencing homelessness. A donation to The Salvation Army can provide three nights of shelter. 1 LGBTQ+ youth are significantly overrepresented in homeless populations compared with the general population. The sympathetic local sheriff picked up the young man, but there was no safe shelter for him except in jail. Studies show that 12% to 36% of emancipated foster care youth will report being homeless at least once after discharge from care.