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National leader says passage of Runaway and Homeless Youth Protection Act is critical to saving lives of LGBT youth
Date
June 19, 2008
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Roberta Sklar, Communications Director
(Office) 646.358.1465
(Cell) 917.704.6358
rsklar@theTaskForce.org [1]
“LGBT youth make up a disproportionate number of runaway and
homeless youth, as many as 40 percent. It is a national disgrace that
youth are turned out of their homes and communities based on their
actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. These
homeless youth deserve the same safety, food, shelter, access to
education and opportunity to a bright future that is the right of every
child.”
— Rea Carey, Acting Executive Director, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Action Fund
WASHINGTON, June 19 — The U.S. House of Representatives
unanimously passed the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act (H.R. 5524)
earlier this month, and the Senate is expected to consider companion
legislation (S. 2982) later this summer. This legislation would
reauthorize the program for an additional five years.
The Runaway and Homeless Youth Protection Act connects youth to
family reunification programs, outreach workers on the streets,
emergency shelter, longer-term housing and myriad additional support
systems, including workplace preparation, education, health and
behavioral health services, and other opportunities to ensure the
safety and well-being of this vulnerable population. In fiscal year
2007, runaway and homeless youth programs served more than 740,000
youth in crisis situations.
“LGBT youth make up a disproportionate number of runaway and
homeless youth, as many as 40 percent. It is a national disgrace that
youth are turned out of their homes and communities based on their
actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. These
homeless youth deserve the same safety, food, shelter, access to
education and opportunity to a bright future that is the right of every
child,” said Rea Carey, acting executive director of the National Gay
and Lesbian Task Force Action Fund. “The Runaway and Homeless Youth
Protection Act is a vital part of helping this segment of our
community. We praise the House for its reauthorization of this
important legislation and call on the Senate for equally swift passage.”
In January 2007, the Task Force Policy Institute and the National
Coalition for the Homeless released a groundbreaking report titled Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Youth: An Epidemic of Homelessness.
The study reported that 20 to 40 percent of homeless youth were LGBT —
an extraordinarily disproportionate number. The report, which was
featured in media outlets coast to coast, on the air, online and in
print, reached thousands of people. It stirred the conversation in
Washington and was used to educate decision-makers about the plight of
LGBT homeless youth.
“This legislation, and the programs it funds, really can make the
difference for many LGBT young people who have been rejected by their
families and society. By providing a roof over their heads and reliable
support and encouragement, they can begin to focus on their long-term
futures rather than on the prospect of another night on the street,”
said study author Nick Ray.
