The San Diego Housing Commission has allocated $1.5 million in its 2023 budget for a new LGBTQ+ youth shelter to be operated by the city’s LGBT Center. The 45-bed facility will be the first of its kind in San Diego and is aimed at addressing the disproportionately high rate of homelessness among LGBTQ+ youth. The LGBT Center will be responsible for managing the shelter, which will have two interim locations in Clairemont and Point Loma until a permanent location is secured.
LGBTQ+ youth in the United States face a heightened risk of experiencing homelessness and housing instability, which can have detrimental effects on their mental health. A recent research report from the Trevor Project revealed that 28% of LGBTQ+ youth had experienced homelessness or housing instability at some point in their lives. Those who experienced homelessness had two to four times the odds of reporting depression, anxiety, self-harm, considering suicide, and attempting suicide compared to those with stable housing.
Victor Esquivel, the Director of Housing & Youth Homeless Services for the LGBT Center, emphasized the importance of programs like the new shelter for LGBTQ+ youth who have been rejected by their families. The shelter will provide not just a place to sleep but also health and mental health care, substance use and recovery efforts, legal services, housing and job navigation, and community.
The True Colors United initiative, co-founded by Cyndi Lauper, Lisa Barbaris, Jonny Podell, and Gregory Lewis, reported that LGBTQ+ young people are 120% more likely to experience homelessness than non-LGBTQ youth. The Los Angeles LGBT Center has also seen a high demand for youth-oriented services, including emergency, transitional, and permanent housing. The San Diego Housing Commission hopes to have the two interim locations up and running within the next 60 days.
As homophobia, bullying, harassment, and extremist hate continue to affect LGBTQ+ youth, it is critical that services and resources are targeted to address their unique needs. The San Diego Housing Commission’s investment in the new LGBTQ+ youth shelter represents a significant step towards ensuring that all young people, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, have access to safe and supportive housing.