No More Help For The Gay Homeless?

When markets tumble, programs get cut. A hard, but true reality. However, when care is not taken as to which programs are forced dry, the effects of cutting the flow can have dire consequences. Take the Ali Forney Center for example, an organization that services our (too) many LGBT homeless youth on the streets. The Ali Forney Center doesn't just provide meals and beds, they help transition our homeless LGBT youth (our future) into stable and permanent housing and jobs. These young adults are more prone to drug abuse, sex work, HIV and mental illness and I've witnessed first hand how The Ali Forney Center assists these young adults. Ali Forney's Drop-in Center is where they make first contact and provide much needed assistance, support and services to these young adults—the start of their transition off the streets.

The Ali Forney Drop-in Center depends 100% on a flow of funds from a federal grant called HOPWA (Housing Opportunities for People with AIDS). HOPWA funding has been scaled down by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, resulting in a choked valve of assistance to Ali Forney. Without HOPWA funding, the Drop-in Center will close. Without the Drop-in Center, our homeless LGBT will once again be turned away.

How Can You Help?
Contact the New York City Mayor's Office and let them know that our homeless LGBT teens need stable homes and jobs and that the Ali Forney Center helps provide those services. We've already lost too many. We can't afford to lose any more.

Suggested Reading:
Drifting Toward Love by Kai Wright

Image © Leroy Allen Skalstad Photography.