Homeless LGBT Youths Discuss Concerns with Federal Partners, Local Officials

Youths sat with federal, state, and city officials to voice their concerns and get their questions answered on a variety of topics.

Youths sat with federal, state, and city officials to voice their concerns and get their questions answered on a variety of topics.

HUD Region II Senior Management Analyst and Homeless Coordinator Samuel Miller spearheaded a federal partners listening session with LGBT homeless youth that brought together multiple federal agencies, city agencies, non-profits, and advocates. The event was held at The Door, a non-profit organization that serves 11,000 youth all over New York City.

Participating agencies included: HUD, DOJ, HHS, ACS, SAMHSA; Coalition for Homeless Youth; DYCD; NYC Administration for Children's Services; NYC Dept. of Homeless Services; F.I.E.R.C.E.; Covenant House; Supportive Housing Network of New York; NYPD LGBTQ LIAISION; Hetrick-Martin Institute; Sheltering Arms/Safe Space; Sunrise Drop-in; Harlem United; True Colors Fund; HPD; DOE; DHS; Good Shepherd Services, NYC CoC, Ali Forney, and SHNNY.

The event took place on April 27, the True Colors Fund's #40toNoneDay, a national day dedicated to raise public awareness about LGBT youth homelessness. Approximately 40% of youth experiencing homelessness identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender; yet LGBT youth make up less than 7% of the general youth population.

Youths had an opportunity to express their concerns, get questions answered, and hear advice and tips from representatives that promised to take back to their agencies valuable information provided by the youths to improve relations and the quality of life of this unique group of New Yorkers.

New York City Mayor Bill De Blasio issued a #40toNoneDay proclamation that was presented at the event. Victor Furtick, Samuel Miller, Twiggy Pucci Garcon, Christa Price, Elvin Garcia, Mary Adams and David Vincent participated in the presentation.

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