One of the issues that LGBTQI teens face is that of homelessness. I got in contact with Richard Anderson from Lutheran Social Services (LSS) and he suggested that I meet with Mary Brown. So a couple of weeks ago I had the privilege of meeting with Mary. Mary spends a majority of her time preaching and teaching about the affects of teen homelessness. While she was not able to provide specifics on the realities for LGBTQI teens she was able to shed light and provide information on teen homelessness.
In Minnesota there are some 2,500 homeless teens, and there are 106 shelter beds that are designated for this demographic. There are many causes of homeless youth, parents who may be unable to care for their children, bad home environment, runway from home, substance abuse, but two of the top causes are teen pregnancies and identifying as LGBTQI. These last two groups of youth mentioned, usually find themselves homeless when parents kick them out of their home.
Homeless youth do not look like what you might suspect; dirty, ratty clothing and the typical stereotypes that our culture associates with homelessness. Teens go to great lengths to fit in everyday regardless of their living situation. For these teens they experience feelings of embarrassment, shame, and judgement.
One way to advocate for care for this demographic is by supporting the “Homeless Youth Act”. This act would provide the following: provides street outreach, drop-in centers, transitional living programs and supportive housing for youth experiencing homelessness to help transition into successful adulthood. House proposal – $3M / Senate proposal $4M.
For people like Mary, working with homeless youth, there is urgency to there work. Duluth, MN is one of many hubs, throughout the country, for human trafficking. If the Homeless Youth Act were to pass then LSS can begin work on a new program. This program would operate similar to foster care, but would work with people who have open beds and could offer them to these teens. For example a couple that has say three bedrooms, but two are empty because their kids have grown up, could then open their home to one or two teens. One of the major reasons for this model is that it would provide stability for the teen, and they could potentially finish high school and start adulthood with both feet on the ground.
Ways to get involved
- Contact LSS to come and speak to your group, congregation or gathering.
- Contact your legislator to support the Homeless Youth Act.
- Check out resources on “Human Trafficking” (here are a couple to start with)
- Polaris Project
- http://www.humantrafficking.org
Ponderings of a Seminarian 