LGBTQ Youth Experiencing Homelessness

Resources

3/40 Blueprint

3/40 Blueprint was created to respond to the needs LGBTQ youth and runaway and homeless youth by developing a blueprint over the 3 years of this project that can reduce the 40% of homeless youth who identify as LGBTQ. It works to identify challenges and goals, and help transitional living programs develop solutions better aligned with LGBTQ youths’ unique needs. Research results, executive summaries, and infographics are provided to help guide service provision for this vulnerable population.
Visit the 3/40 Blueprint website.

All Our Children: Strategies to Prevent Homelessness, Strengthen Services and Build Support for LGBTQ Youth
This report from the The New York City Commission for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning Runaway and Homeless Youth examines the complex needs of LGBTQ youth and promotes a coordinated agenda in meeting these needs. The report suggests recommendations and strategies with actionable steps to promote best practices, foster a culture of respect and acceptance, and address the underlying causes of homelessness among LGBTQ youth.
Download All Our Children: Strategies to Prevent Homelessness, Strengthen Services and Build Support for LGBTQ Youth.
At the Intersections: A Collaborative Resource on LGBTQ Youth Homelessness

In the three years since the first edition of At the Intersections was released by True Colors United, so much has happened in the field of youth homelessness. This second edition of At the Intersections reveals what has changed in the past three years regarding our understanding of LGBTQ youth homelessness.
Download At the Intersections: A Collaborative Resource on LGBTQ Youth Homelessness.

Homeless LGBTQ Youth
This brief from The Urban Institute summarizes the findings on LGBTQ homeless youth counted during the 2013 YouthCount!, a federal interagency initiative that aimed to improve counts of unaccompanied homeless youth. The brief also shares best practices on how to improve counts of LGBTQ homeless youth, and areas where policymakers can act to improve LGBTQ youth outcomes.
Download Homeless LGBTQ Youth.
Identifying and Serving LGBTQ Youth: Case Studies of Runaway and Homeless Youth Program Grantees
This report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office of The Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation highlights findings from case studies of four agencies receiving grants from the Family and Youth Services Bureau's Runaway and Homeless Youth Program. The study identifies strategies and challenges in identifying and serving lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) runaway and homeless youth, data collection and assessment issues for this population, and gaps in research and services. 
Download Identifying and Serving LGBTQ Youth: Case Studies of Runaway and Homeless Youth Program Grantees.
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Youth: An Epidemic of Homelessness
This report from the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force discusses the reasons why so many LGBT youth are homeless and the risks they face in shelters and on the street. Web visitors can download the audio press conference, the executive summary, the full publication, or fact sheets on LGBT youth from various cities and states across the country.
Download Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Youth: An Epidemic of Homelessness.
Missed Opportunities: LGBTQ Youth Homelessness in America
This brief from the Voices of Youth Count Initiative at Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago highlights research related to the specific experiences of young people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) and face homelessness. The brief finds 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. They also face a higher risk of early death and other adversities. The brief also points to actionable opportunities to better meet the needs of LGBTQ young people in our collective efforts to end youth homelessness. 
Visit the Missed Opportunities: LGBTQ Youth Homelessness in America webpage.
Providing Services and Supports for Youth Who Are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning, Intersex or Two-Spirit
This practice brief from the National Center for Cultural Competence is for policymakers, administrators, and providers seeking to learn more about youth who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, intersex, or two-spirit (LGBTQI2-S) and how to develop culturally and linguistically competent programs and services to meet their needs.
Download Providing Services and Supports for Youth Who Are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning, Intersex or Two-Spirit.
Serving Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning Youth With Open Arms
This issue of The Exchange from the National Clearinghouse on Families and Youth explores how family- and youth-serving organizations serve lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth.
Visit the Serving Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning Youth With Open Arms webpage.
True Colors Fund
Through a broad continuum of community organizing, public engagement, public policy, research, and youth collaboration programs, the True Colors Fund works to end homelessness among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth by creating systemic change.
Visit The True Colors Fund webpage.
The Trevor Project
Founded in 1998 by the creators of the Academy Award®-winning short film TREVOR, The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) young people ages 13-24.
Visit The Trevor Project webpage.
Transitioning Our Shelters: A Guide to Making Homeless Shelters Safe for Transgender People
This guide from the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Policy Institute and the National Coalition for the Homeless discusses the barriers faced by transgender persons in accessing shelter and makes recommendations for how to eliminate these barriers. The guide includes a section dedicated to transgender youth issues.
Download Transitioning Our Shelters: A Guide to Making Homeless Shelters Safe for Transgender People.
Working With LGBTQ Youth and Families
This webpage from the Child Welfare Information Gateway provides information about serving lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth, including resources for LGBTQ youth in out-of-home care and resources offering support and guidance for LGBTQ youth and their families. Resources include State and local examples.
Visit the Working With LGBTQ Youth and Families webpage.