Across the country, a recognized homelessness crisis is forcing communities to face the reality that transitioning out of homelessness can be incredibly difficult without access to affordable housing and necessary support services. That's already an issue - but for LGBTQ+ youth, who research has shown disproportionately experience homelessness, shelters are not always the safe space they should be and services are often insufficient at targeting their needs. 

That means that communities need to do more to target LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness, and organizations across the United States are working to fill that gap. In Washington, the Mason County Housing Options for Students in Transition (HOST) targets all youth experiencing homelessness, but has shown particular success in helping multiply marginalized individuals by focusing on personal relationships. In Michigan, healthcare groups are crafting coordinated strategies to address youth homelessness and the additional barriers to much-needed health services. "HostHome" is a Philadelphia program working to connect LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness with volunteer families, a strategy that is both cost-effective and makes aid possible to youth who may not fit federal definitions of homelessness. And finally, organizations across Washington, D.C. are providing shelters that are more than just a temporary place to sleep. Together, these stories are examples of the good work being done to protect LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness, and an indicator of how much more there is to be done.