Services for Homeless and At-Risk Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning Youth

The Seattle Human Services Department contracts with community-based organizations to provide services to homeless and at-risk lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth ages 12-24 who live in Seattle.

According to a study of Seattle LGBT homeless youth published in the May 2002 American Journal of Public Health, sexual minority youth are more likely to leave home, are more vulnerable to being attacked and victimized, and are more likely to use addictive substances, when compared with their heterosexual counterparts. They also face additional risks related to their sexual orientation or their gender expression including isolation, harassment, family rejection, violence and discrimination. These can lead to school failure, depression, internalized oppression, suicide, chemical dependence, homelessness and HIV transmission.

Services are provided in settings that are safe and affirming for youth and help them to:

• improve stability and maintain the highest possible quality of life;
• increase safety including learning safer sex practices and preventing substance abuse;
• prevent dropping out of school and improve academic achievement;
• strengthen job skills and employability including internship experiences; and
• improve decision making and social skills, including developing a positive identity, a peer support network and a sense of community.

A speakers' bureau featuring LGBTQ speakers educates youth and youth service staff about the unique concerns of these youth. This helps strengthen the capacity of service providers to address the unique needs and concerns of clients.

Specific programs serving this community have been funded by City of Seattle General Funds since 2003. Funding awards are determined through a competitive process that is conducted by the department at least once every four years. Funding during funding cycles depends upon program performance and funding availability. The current four-year cycle ends in 2009. In 2008, approximately $148,700 is allocated for LGBTQ services.

2008 Funded Agencies and Programs

• American Friends Service Committee’s LGBTQ Youth Program
• Lambert House
• Mpowerment

Information

For more information about this program and other Seattle Human Services Department-funded youth programs, call 206-386-1017 or e-mail youthservices@seattle.gov.

For information about our partners and related programs, contact the agencies listed above or the 211 Community Information Line by dialing 211 or 1-800-621-4636.

Links

• Current Funding Opportunities
• News