Document Type
Portfolio
Publication Date
2025
Abstract
Goal Statement: The goal of this Social Change Portfolio is to prevent unaccompanied housing instability among LGBTQ+ youth in Minneapolis through trauma-informed, culturally responsive strategies that strengthen family and community supports, improve mental health outcomes, enhance educational engagement, and promote long-term stability.
Significant Findings: Nationally, LGBTQ+ youth represent 40% of the homeless youth population, despite comprising less than 10% of the general youth demographic (Morton et al., 2018). In Minneapolis, TGNC youth of color face especially high risks due to intersecting barriers like racial discrimination, family rejection, and lack of affirming services (Houghtaling et al., 2024). Housing instability leads to adverse outcomes in mental and physical health, educational attainment, and economic mobility. However, protective factors, such as supportive relationships, culturally competent care, and identity-affirming environments, can mitigate these risks (Shank & Troshynski, 2024).
Objectives/Strategies/Interventions/Next Steps: This project proposes a coordinated prevention plan that includes: (1) implementing LGBTQ+ cultural competency training for staff in schools, shelters, and service agencies; (2) collaborating with LGBTQ+ and BIPOC-led organizations to co-create affirming, locally relevant interventions; (3) expanding access to peerled programs like Proud & Empowered; (4) promoting family-based services like the Family Acceptance Project to reduce rejection and support reunification; and (5) advocating for inclusive data collection, equitable policy reforms, and sustained funding for wraparound services.
