Safe Place® Supports LGBTQ+ Youth

Have you seen this symbol at the bottom of the Safe Place website? Did you know Safe Place provides an outlet to safety for all young people in crisis. Safe Place communities are full of accepting, compassionate, and supportive providers who care about the safety and success of young people. LGBTQ youth face increased adversity. Many tend to think of families and schools as the safest places for youth. Sadly, for LGBTQ youth this is often not the case. Due to their gender identity or sexual orientation, they face increased amounts of family rejection, abuse, and bullying. This causes LGBTQ youth to be at greater risk for homelessness, sexual abuse, depression, and suicide. Safe Place has provided resources available for youth, families, and providers on its website. You may access these resources here, or anytime by clicking on this symbol in the footer of the Safe Place website.

If you are a young person in need of immediate help and safety, no matter your race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or any other way you identify yourself, you may go to any location with this sign to receive help or utilize TXT 4 HELP 24/7/365.

Celebrating Pride Virtually

This June’s Pride will look different than in prior years. Due to the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), organizers have had to rethink how to celebrate Pride when large festivals and parades are no longer an option. Many Pride celebrations are now taking place virtually. Check out this list of virtual Pride events happening around the world. Happy Pride!

(image courtesy of the Human Rights Campaign)

Lost in America Digital Release

The Lost in America documentary will be available for digital download June 9th. The documentary, directed by Rotimi Rainwater, captures the realities of youth homelessness. Lost in America also interviews celebrities who champion homeless youth, politicians, and organizations (including National Safe Place Network) who serve homeless youth about what is being done and what needs to be done in order to put an end to youth homelessness. You can watch the trailer here as well as audience reactions to the film here.

Thank a Youth Worker Day 2020

Youth workers are invaluable. This year, May 7th is Thank a Youth Worker Day, a time to celebrate those who work with youth to facilitate their personal, social, and educational development. National Safe Place Network staff will be giving thanks to youth workers on our Facebook page. Make sure to tune in and show your appreciation for these everyday heroes. Additionally, the Association for Child and Youth Care Practice is asking for nominations for youth workers who have become heroes during the Coronavirus disease pandemic (COVID-19). Nominations are due Thursday, May 7th, and can be made here.

Economic Impact Payments – Homeless Youth Access Guide

NSPN partner National Network for Youth (NN4Y), in collaboration with Schoolhouse Connection and Baker McKenzie, have developed a one-page fact sheet detailing key information and important considerations about stimulus payments and homeless youth. Use this resource to help young people access the money to which they are entitled.

Access the resource here.