On April 25th, 2018, Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago published Missed Opportunities: LGBTQ Youth Homelessness in America, the second series of the Research-to-Impact briefs that aims to address the prevalence and incidence of youth homelessness in the United States and strategies to meet their needs. This brief focuses on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer youth that are experiencing or at risk of becoming homelessness. 

According to the brief, LGBTQ youth are at a higher risk of experiencing homelessness than heterosexual youth and are more likely to suffer from trauma, discrimination, adversity, and early death. Black and multiracial LGBTQ youth are disproportionally represented in the youth homelessness population.

The report provides recommendations on how we can address the needs of youth who are unsheltered and unstably housed at a national and local level. These include:

• Ensuring more sensitive data collection regarding sexual orientation and gender identity and developing positive adult connections, street outreach program, and training for LGBTQ youth.  
• Utilizing programs that are offered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to ensure equal access and housing choice for youth and families. 
• Reviewing and revising federal program guidance, such as the Substance Abuses and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Block Grant to ensure that programs are targeted for LGBTQ and minority LGBTQ youth that are experiencing homelessness. 

Click here to read the report.