.gay Community Spotlight on The Ali Forney Center
The Ali Forney Center is the largest community center helping LGBTQ+ homeless youth in the United States.
This week for our .gay Community Spotlight, we chatted with their team to learn how they're helping young people in our communities.
How would you describe your organization’s mission?
The mission of the Ali Forney Center is to protect homeless Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning youths from the harms of homelessness and empower them with the tools needed to be independent.
Tell us about how that mission is brought to life through your work?
The Ali Forney Center provides services to over 2,000 homeless LGBTQ youth who are fighting for their lives on the streets due to homophobia and transphobia. We offer wrap around services including housing, meals, career readiness, education, health services, and mental health services. Essentially, when a young person arrives at our doors we will provide them with everything they need to build an independent life.
What would happen if your organization suddenly did not exist?
Before the Ali Forney Center was founded, there was quite literally no safe space for homeless LGBTQ youth to seek safety and affirmation. Youth were extremely unsafe. The national average is around 20-25% of youth in the shelter system successfully graduate out into independent living. The Ali Forney Center's average is 80-85% of our clients successfully graduate out into independent living. It is scary to think of their realities if the Ali Forney Center is not around to care or advocate on their behalf.
What can people do to get involved and help make sure that never happens?
Our work is not possible without the support from our wider community. We are also encouraging volunteers, donors, and advocates who can help spread our message.
Why does LGBTQ+ visibility matter to you?
The stories of our clients, homeless LGBTQ youth, are far too often overlooked. When we evaluate as a movement the progress we have made, the struggles of those who are the most vulnerable are seldom told.
In your own words, what does “LGBTQ+ safety and support” mean specifically?
In regards to the Ali Forney Center's work, LGBTQ+ safety and support means all of the services and advocacy to ensure that youth who are rejected from their families because they are LGBTQ+ have the services available to them to build meaningful independent lives. The streets and event the existing shelter system are incredibly hostile to LGBTQ+ youth and it is our responsibility as a community to ensure they have the support they need.
Who are some of your LGBTQ+ heroes?
Alex Roque - the president and executive director of the Ali Forney Center has dedicated over 10 years to making sure that the agency has the funding needed to to meet the growing need for our services.
Larry Kramer - for his powerful and strategic advocacy while facing every obstacle. His dedication towards justice and action are incredible.
Sylvia Rivera - for her dedication to supporting homeless LGBTQ youth. Despite facing homelessness herself, she was a fierce advocate for those who are the most vulnerable.
If you could give LGBTQ+ youth one message, what would it be?
Hope exists and is waiting for you.
Tell us about a time when you felt like the work you do at your organization really mattered or made a difference for the communities you serve?
Recently we held a career fair for our clients, to connect them with internship opportunities to build up their experience and get their foot in the career market. It was amazing to see the experience that they bring with them and the determination they hold to build a future of their choosing. They have all of the drive and determination needed and we are able to provide them with a path towards a meaningful future.
Anything else you would like to share with the .gay audience?
We launched our first ever dance-a-thon to feed the clients of the Ali Forney Center on November 20th. (Learn more here)
Learn more about The Ali Forney Center’s work here.
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