Saving Our GLBT Homeless

The Ali Forney Center

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Public programs for homeless youth are available in New York City and throughout the country, but they do little to satisfy the unique needs of glbt youth. Many of these aide organizations, such as Covenant House are religion-based and have a history of sending a message that homosexuality is a sin--further alienating glbt youth.

The Ali Forney Center provides a more affirmative haven for these kids, but there are far less beds available than there are homeless glbt kids on the streets of New York City (let alone the rest of the country). However, Siciliano sees the glbt homeless problem as a burden we all share. He says an appropriate national response is needed to solve the crisis... And the glbt community should lead that response.

"It needs to be us saying we have to use whatever political power we have," Siciliano pleads. "When homeless glbt youth don't have a place to live, they get killed."

Meanwhile, the mild-mannered Shawn is doing his best not to become another unanswered statistic. Since making contact with The Ali Forney Center in October of 2006, he now sees a future. He plans to one day become a teacher or an outreach counselor, like Steven Gordon who's been bringing homeless kids to the Center since mid-2006.

Shawn's relationship with his estranged mother is also steadily improving. He's confident as he says, "I feel a lot more free to make my own decisions."

The Ali Forney Center (AFC) was started in June of 2002 in response to the lack of safe shelter for LGBT youth in New York City. They are committed to providing these young people with safe, dignified, nurturing environments where their needs can be met, and where they can begin to put their lives back together.

Become a friend of The Ali Forney Center and help save our gltb homeless youth.