HOME TO HOPE
WHO WE ARE
Committed to Making a Difference
Home to Hope along with the Rhode Island Coalition for the Homeless responds to homelessness and housing instability for unaccompanied LGBTQ youth and young adults. Currently, this includes a cross-sector Task Force for Unaccompanied Homeless Youth and a youth-led street outreach program focusing on LGBTQ youth and young adults. With a growing network of collaborators, we support homeless youth and young adults as they seek health and stability.
OUR TASK
The Problem at Hand
Each year, up to 1.6 million youth experience homelessness. LGBTQ youth make up 40% of all young people experiencing homelessness, while only making an estimated 7-10% of the total youth population of the US. In Rhode Island, where no youth shelters are currently running, LGBTQ youth are at a higher risk of victimization, unsafe sexual practices, mental health issues, and a lack of physical and psychological safety at adult shelters. Our mission is to increase youth access to safe, stable housing and supportive services, reduce the occurrence and impact of victimization, and help homeless, street and runaway youth get the support they need to survive and thrive.
OUR APPROACH
Providing Support for Our Youth
In addition to providing basic needs—such as snacks, health/hygiene products, safer sex supplies, and blankets—we also connect youth to medical health and mental health services, as well as employment and benefit opportunities. The long-term project goal is to provide housing and a continuum of supportive services that will allow LGBTQ youth to thrive and live independently. Partners are now focusing on developing shelter, transitional programs and other housing options connected to current systems of care. Home to Hope is preparing to lead efforts to develop a community designed and owned housing solution.