The Homeless and Housing Resource Center (HHRC) and SAMHSA’s Center of Excellence on LGBTQ+ Behavioral Health Equity will present an engaging panel discussion about affirmative services and supports for LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness. For providers working in housing and homelessness, knowing about the unique experiences of LGBTQ+ people is essential in providing quality and appropriate care. This panel will discuss the unique needs of the population, and ways providers and clinicians can provide supportive and affirming care.

Learning Objectives

1. Describe the importance of strength-based approaches like healing-centered engagement when creating and maintaining safe spaces for youth participants who identify with the LGBTQ+ community.
2. Identify potential risk factors associated with youth’s family-of-origin and protective factors chosen-families offer youth participants who identify with the LGBTQ+ community.
3. Explore authentic engagement with youth using youth-driven solutions like youth-run boards, ambassadors, and peer support.