LGBTQ+ youth experience a much higher risk of homelessness than their peers. Once on the street, they face additional hardships because of stigma and discrimination.
LGBTQ+ Young People Are More Likely to Experience Homelessness
28%
of all LGBTQ+ youth report having experienced homelessness or housing instability
120%
LGBTQ+ youth have a 120% higher risk of experiencing homelessness
30%
At Covenant House California, about 30% of the youth with us identify as LGBTQ+
Understanding why LGBTQ+ Youth Experience Homelessness
“LGBTQ+ Young People Face More Than Twice the Risk of Being Homeless”
The most common reason that LGBTQ+ youth experience homelessness is family conflict due to their gender identity or expression or their sexual orientation. Many young people tell us heartbreaking stories of rejection and eviction that led to life on the streets.
Once homeless, LGBTQ+ youth face further challenges. Some report discriminatory practices and policies when trying to access homeless youth services. And LGBTQ+ young people are more likely to be physically assaulted, to be forced to have sex, to engage in sex for basic needs, to harm themselves, and to face discrimination or stigma.
We Are Welcoming, Affirming, and Safe for LGBTQ+ Youth
Our staff are trained to ensure an authentic welcome to LGBTQ+ youth and all young people, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression.
We regularly implement new initiatives to support LGBTQ+ youth. With our unique offering of resources, including housing, food, education, workforce development, counseling, and other trauma-informed services created with the goal of positive youth development, we have become a lifeline for LGBTQ+ youth and young adults experiencing homelessness.
Help LGBTQ+ Youth Facing Homelessness
Your gift today can provide direct care, housing, and wellness to youth facing homelessness.
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Who Is at Risk of Youth Homelessness?
Many factors increase a young person’s chances of experiencing homelessness, but some of our most vulnerable populations face the greatest risk.
Young people of color
Young people who are Black, Hispanic, and Indigenous experience homelessness at higher rates, largely due to systemic and structural racism.
LGBTQ+ youth
LGBTQ+ youth experience a much higher risk of homelessness than their peers.
Pregnant and Parenting Youth
Pregnancy and parenting are common among young people facing homelessness, more so than among their stably housed peers.
