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lain’s story
LGBTQI+ youth have a 120% higher risk of experiencing homelessness*. With these rates of LGBTQI+ youth homelessness, it’s vital to create safe and affirming spaces for young people to pursue their dreams. At Avenues, we listen to their stories, make sure they are safe and partner with them on their journeys…
Read MoreJay’s Experience with Avenues
“If someone were to tell me they were thinking of coming to Avenues, I would tell them its going to be a good fit.” Jay, a young person at Avenues recently said. “The culture is laid back and at your pace but they will push for you to strive to…
Read MoreYouth Experience: Home at Brooklyn Avenues
Alexi, a 19 year-old living at Brooklyn Avenues, recently shared about their experience in the program and how it’s the people and personal connections that have made the difference during their stay. Read Alexi’s interview below. “I wish that people knew that homelessness should not be something taken as people…
Read MoreConneQTions between Hosts and Youth
Youth determination is at the center of our process when matching youth with hosts. In ConneQT, youth get to read the applications of hosts (in each application hosts write an open letter describing who they are and why they want to host) and the youth get to decide who they’d…
Read MoreThe Realities Emerson Wants You to Know
“People don’t realize how complex existing is when you don’t have a support frame of people helping you,” Emerson, a youth at Avenues, recently said. Emerson moved into Avenues last September when they were 17 years old. Since then, they’ve celebrated their 18th birthday, and are working towards getting their…
Read MoreBarriers for Minors Experiencing Homelessness
“A lot of people don’t realize that if you become homeless before you’re 18, it’s a waiting game.” Emerson Emerson is a digital artist. They’re learning to turn photos of people into digital portraits using their tablet. They also just celebrated a birthday at Avenues, and were surprised with a…
Read MoreMeet Gavin, A Young Person at Avenues
Gavin, a twenty-year-old at Avenues, recently shared about his experience in the program and what he thinks society can be doing better for youth. Read his interview below. What do you think society can do better for youth? Easier schools with more help. School was pretty hard for me. I…
Read MoreSuccessful Meet and Greet in ConneQT
ConneQT, a host home program of Avenues, provides LGBTQI+ youth culturally responsive housing within their community of choice. In ConneQT, youth choose which community member they live with and those community members provide housing and food, while Avenues staff provides wrap-around services and support. Youth determination is at the center of…
Read MoreBarriers to Job Hunting
Kell is 20-years-old and living at Avenues. He’s happy to have a mailing address and a washer and dryer. He thinks Toni, a Youth Support Specialist on team, is “cool AF,” and wants Avenues to create programs for first time renters with no credit. He doesn’t believe there should be…
Read MoreRaven’s Story
“My dream is for people to actually love themselves and not have race conflicts. To not be judged.” – Raven, a former youth at Avenues *Raven recently moved out of an Avenues program. She has a lot of advice for youth who might stay at Avenues, including to wear shower…
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