New Dorm for Homeless LGBTQ+ Youth Opens in Orlando
Orlando, Florida – A new dormitory aimed at providing safe housing for homeless LGBTQ+ youth and young adults is set to open this month near downtown Orlando, offering hope to those in need. The project, managed by Zebra Youth, will accommodate 12 young adults who have been sleeping on the streets, in their cars, or at friends’ homes.
Housing Expansion
Currently, Zebra Youth operates a five-bed shelter in Orlando. However, the demand is high, with 45 individuals on a waiting list. With the new dorm, the organization aims to increase its capacity significantly. Additionally, Zebra Youth has funding for six rooms in extended-stay hotels, bringing the total number of individuals they can support to 23 people.
Addressing a Growing Crisis
The need for such facilities has become increasingly urgent. According to the National Coalition for the Homeless, LGBTQ+ youth are 120% more likely to experience homelessness than their heterosexual counterparts. Various factors contribute to this issue, primarily family rejection linked to sexual orientation or gender identity. Bobby Hermida, a board member of Zebra Youth, emphasized that many young individuals face such challenges, leading to their homelessness.
In Central Florida, rising housing costs exacerbate the crisis. Heather Wilkie, executive director of Zebra Youth, noted, “In Orlando, the cost of living makes it nearly impossible for many young people to secure stable housing. Until we create more opportunities for accessible and affordable housing, the number of homeless youth will only continue to grow.”
Brighter Days Community Initiative
To combat this increasing issue, the Homeless Services Network of Central Florida launched the Brighter Days Community Initiative in June. This initiative specifically targets teenagers and young adults aged 16 to 24 and allocated $600,000 for the new housing project. In the past year, there have been over 1,500 requests for housing assistance from young adults in Central Florida, highlighting the ongoing crisis.
Aja Hunter, youth projects director for the Homeless Services Network, stated, “Youth continue to show up to the system every day, seeking support. It’s very important that we keep the system moving and bring more partners to the table.”
Supportive Services
Beyond just providing a place to sleep, Zebra Youth offers various support services. Residents typically stay for six months to a year but can remain for up to two years if they actively work with case managers. These case managers help residents connect with educational opportunities, jobs, and emergency food resources.
Hermida, who previously stayed with Zebra Youth for about 19 months, spoke about the impact the organization had on his life. After losing friends in the Pulse nightclub shooting, he turned to the shelter for support, ultimately overcoming addiction with their help. Celebrating six years of sobriety, he expressed optimism about the new housing, stating, “It’ll be an opportunity for other people to change their lives, like I did.”
A Bright Future
The new dormitory represents a significant step forward in addressing the housing needs of vulnerable LGBTQ+ youth in Orlando. With concerted efforts from local organizations and community initiatives, there is hope that many more young individuals will find the support necessary to rebuild their lives.
