People experiencing homelessness, including youth and young adults, are uniquely vulnerable to COVID-19.
We're here to help you get through it.
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning (LGBTQ) youth are 120% more likely to experience homelessness than their straight and cisgender peers. Now is the time to make sure all young people have access to live-saving services without fear of discrimination or violence. We must not fail them in our response to the coronavirus. Our systems are only as strong as they are in a time of crisis.
We'll be updating this page with resources and action items for folks working in the field, advocates making a difference, and young people looking for help.
What are you looking for?
If you're looking for advice on serving youth experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 pandemic...
Here are some resources we recommend.
- National Guidance on Emergency Homeless Services for Youth and Young Adults
- We partnered with some other awesome organizations to put together a guide to leveraging federal emergency solutions grants in support of youth experiencing homelessness for local administrators of homelessness services.
- Trans People and COVID-19, via the National Center for Transgender Equality.
- LGBTQ COVID-19 Resources, via the Equality Federation
- HUD COVID-19 Resources and Fact Sheets, via HUD
- SNAPS Disease Risk and Homelessness Page, via HUD Exchance
- An Equitable Systems Transformation Framework for COVID-19, via NIS
- COVID-19 Guidance for People Who Use Drugs and Harm Reduction Programs, via the Harm Reduction Coalition
If you want to make a difference...
Here's how you can help.
Tell your elected officials: "Don't leave youth experiencing homelessness out of the federal response to COVID-19!"
- Contact your Senators and Congressional representative asking that they include resources for youth experiencing homelessness in the federal response to COVID-19. Over the coming weeks, we will speak out in a unified voice and take coordinated action to defend the health and civil rights of LGBTQ youth experiencing homelessness.
If you're looking for help or someone to talk to...
Coronavirus affects us all. Here are some resources that might help.
Know your rights! We put together some tip sheets to help you navigate and access services.
- Federal Laws Which Protect LGBTQ Youth and Young Adults from Discrimination in Homelessness Services
If you need to get in touch with health or emergency services in your area:
- 211 is a comprehensive source of local services in the US and Canada.
It's important to take care of your mental health during this time:
- If you are a young person in crisis, feeling suicidal, or in need of a safe and judgment-free place to talk, the Trevor Project can be of support.
- Call the TrevorLifeline at 1-866-488-7386.
- Or chat with a specialist online.
- If you're looking for treatment, information, or support groups for mental health or substance use, SAMHSA's National Helpline offers confidential 24/7 support.
- Call the National Helpline at 1-800-622-HELP (4357).
- Or go to their website for more info.
If you're experiencing homelessness, thinking of running away, or need help with a problem at home:
- The National Runway Safeline serves as the national communication system for runaway and homeless youth, and offers confidential and nonjudgemental support.
- Call 1-800-RUNAWAY (1-800-786-2929).
- Or go to 1800runaway.org.