Charity offers temporary accommodations for homeless LGBTQ+ individuals in their early adulthood

ORLANDO, Fla. – A Central Florida nonprofit is getting results for our area’s LGBTQ+ youth who don’t have a place to call home.

Zebra Youth, previously known as The Zebra Coalition, is set to open 12 new transitional housing units for young adults in the community who require a secure place to reside.

The organization offers a variety of programs to LGBTQ+ youth including transitional housing for young adults who don’t have a place to call home.

Zebra Youth is adding an additional 12 units to the transitional housing program, bringing the total number of units up to 17.

“You know, it’s a space that ought to feel like a home, doesn’t it?” stated Zebra Youth Executive Director, Heather Wilkie. “That’s the principle behind our initiative. We aim for the environment to resemble a homely setting for them.”

As per a report from The Trevor Project in February 2022, 14% of LGBTQ youth mentioned they had spent nights away from their parents or guardians because they were either evicted or left, with 40% disclosing that they were expelled or left behind due to their LGBTQ identity.

“Family rejection is a huge part of that,” Wilkie said. “So we do hear a lot of youth coming to us saying that they’re not able to go back to their homes because their families do not accept them or they don’t feel safe to be there.”

The transitional housing is open to LGBTQ+ young adults from ages 18 to 24.

Once someone is accepted into the  program, they’re given a case manager and begin working toward becoming self-sufficient in a safe environment.

“We create that affirming environment that maybe they’re not accustomed to,” Wilkie said, “We’re able to say, look, you’re okay for being who you are. We accept you and love you. And by the way, we have a lot of resources to help you to move toward self-sufficiency.”

An environment that Taraj Bryant and Day Service and Access Manager for the Christian Service Center, Melissa Sandeo, said they wish was available to them as LGBTQ+ youth — but are glad to see groups like Zebra Youth stepping up.

Both Sandeo and Bryant experienced housing instability when they were younger.

“Knowing they have chances to just be who they are and excel in safe place, that’s a win for everybody pretty much,” Bryant said.

“I just wish for more places, you know, and safe spaces for youth and the LGBTQ community,” Sandeo said. “It is very important to just give that loving hand, you know, they just need that hand to just show them the right way sometimes.”

Zebra Youth is currently accepting donations for their program, if you’d like to contribute you can visit their website or check out their Amazon Wish List.