My fashion forward sense — colorful socks that always matched my shirt perfectly — made me an easy target in school. Name the expletive, and I probably heard it. It was the 80s in Northern Miami.

There were no GSA clubs. Aside from the support of my courageously out gay debate coach (Thank you, Mr. Ullery!), I was on my own – at school and at home. I’ll never forget that isolation and loneliness. I can feel it like a pin prick of a memory. It's those experiences that drive my work to support youth in crisis today.

During this month of Pride, I want to focus on those young people who experience housing insecurity at especially high rates – Black, Hispanic, and LGBTQ+ youth. Housing insecurity is often the byproduct of the rejection, isolation, discrimination, and violence staring down these young people.

But what if there was a solution?

What if the solution not only addressed housing insecurity but handed back the dignity, trust, and inclusion robbed from so many of these amazing young adults?

Our Targeted Housing Assistance Program does just that. The program gives young people a one-time cash payment to help them stay housed.The amount is based on their unique situation—no strings attached. Before receiving the payment, they create a simple housing plan with a local service provider. They can also choose to get extra support like case management, help finding housing, financial advice, or help navigating family relationships.

The best part – it works!