In early 2020, a group of individuals came together to explore ways to support LGBTQ+ youth who are either experiencing homelessness or are at risk of homelessness. After engaging the support of area organizations, the group named itself the Delaware LGBTQ+ Housing Safeguard Committee.
Delaware LGBTQ+ Housing Safeguard Committee Vision: To see that LGBTQ+ youth in Delaware live in environments that support their sexual orientation and/or their gender identity/expression.
Delaware LGBTQ+ Housing Safeguard Committee Mission: The DE LGBTQ+ Housing Safeguard Committee will:
1. Develop a process to determine the number of LGBTQ+ Delawarean youth* who are either experiencing homelessness or are living in environments that are not supportive of their sexual orientation or gender identity/expression.
2. Develop collaborative relationships with agency personnel who provide services to youth experiencing homelessness and their families.
3. Provide supportive housing opportunities for LGBTQ+ youth in need through fundraising efforts.
4. Provide LGBTQ+ training and support to foster parent agencies and DFS child protective services personnel.
5. Learn from the successes and challenges of groups similar to us.
6. Support efforts to create legislation for a Homeless Bill of Rights.
7. Assess the effectiveness of our efforts periodically.
Represented on this committee are: PFLAG, PTK, AIDs Delaware, West End Neighborhood House, Christiana Care, Orgullo Delaware, Child Inc., and Sussex Pride, as well as several private citizens who are passionate about this cause.