Feds launch housing access effort for LGBTQ youth

Pride Month serves as a celebration of the LGTBQ community, but it also can raise awareness of challenges these individuals face. That includes youth homelessness.

A new federal effort aims to close gaps in North Dakota and elsewhere.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has announced a multi-pronged approach to remove barriers to stable housing for teens and young adults who identify as LGBTQ.

One example includes providing technical assistance and training to service and shelter providers. Elly Kugler – senior counsel in HUD’s office of the general counsel – said shelters can sometimes be very problematic.

“It is often the case that LGBTQI people, both young people and adults, especially people who are transgender and gender nonconforming,” they said, “experience really disturbingly high rates of illegal rejection from the shelters.”

Through the effort, the department will beef up education given to shelters and service providers, including new materials that highlight innovative methods in offering support.

“Know Your Rights” tool kits also will be given to young people directly affected by these issues.

According to the department, nearly 40% of all youth experiencing homelessness identify as LGBTQ.

Steve Lucas – a senior advisor in HUD’s office of public and Indian Housing – said the initiative also involves encouraging community partners to develop strategies that work for their specific areas.

“To address homelessness, you need to follow those best practices – but you also need a local strategy that works,” said Lucas. “And that’s what we’re trying to help facilitate here – whether it’s North Dakota, it’s Arizona, Florida.”

As plans come together, the department says it will try to include input from LGBTQ youth by holding listening sessions around the country.

In 2021, North Dakota received $2 million from a HUD program to combat youth homelessness.

A report associated with the funding noted that of the youth experiencing homelessness in North Dakota, 5% are either transgender or gender nonconforming.