Living
Combatting scourge of LGBTQ youth homelessness in D.C.
There are many local resources available to help
LGBTQ youth homelessness is a significant problem across the United States, but it is particularly acute in Washington, D.C. According to government statistics, a significant percentage of homeless youth in the country identify as LGBTQ. These vulnerable individuals face unique challenges due to their sexual orientation or gender identity, which often leads to estrangement from their families and communities.
In the lively, flashy streets of our hometown, Washington, D.C., and amid the city’s well-heeled new complexes like the D.C. Wharf in Southeast and City Centre Downtown, an alarming number of our youth find themselves without a place to call home, facing discrimination, abandonment, and societal neglect.
According to a 2022 article in DCist, “Queer and transgender youth are vastly overrepresented in the unhoused population. Nationally, 7% of people between the ages of 13 and 25 years old identify as LGBTQ+, while 40% of unhoused people of those same ages do. D.C.’s most recent Youth Count, which surveys the number of youth experiencing homelessness and housing instability, reports that the same is true in the District, with 40% of youth experiencing homelessness identifying as LGBTQ.”
Helping our youth may require more than just a simple annual or monthly donation. When you consider what you can do to help the District’s LGBTQ youth, you will want to do your homework to make sure the services you believe you are contributing to are reaching the youth in need. Below, you’ll find a few key elements to know to be informed and a few actions you can take to make a meaningful difference.
Discrimination isn’t the only cause of LGBTQ youth homelessness in our area. Several factors contribute to the high rates in Washington, D.C. One primary cause is family rejection, as many young individuals are forced out of their homes when they come out as LGBTQ.
Some families struggle to accept their child’s sexual identity or gender expression, leading to emotional or even sometimes physical abuse.
Discrimination in housing and employment also can play a significant role, making it difficult for LGBTQ youth to secure stable housing or find sustainable employment opportunities.
Additionally, the intersectionality of LGBTQ identities with race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status may tend to exacerbate the issue.
LGBTQ youth from marginalized communities — African American and individuals of Latin American descent — are disproportionately affected by homelessness due to familial expectations and social stigma within ethnic or racial communities.
Homeless LGBTQ youth in Washington, D.C., confront numerous challenges that hinder their ability to thrive. These challenges include a lack of access to safe and affordable housing, limited educational opportunities, higher rates of substance abuse, mental health issues, and an increased risk of experiencing violence on the streets, or even exploitation.
Importance of support and resources
Addressing the scourge of homelessness for our youth requires a multi-faceted approach involving the government, community organizations, and individuals like you. The provision of safe and inclusive shelters is crucial, offering a supportive environment where young LGBTQ individuals can find refuge without fear of discrimination or harassment.
Moreover, comprehensive support systems must be established to address the unique needs of LGBTQ homeless youth. This includes mental health services, educational support, job training, and access to healthcare. Collaborative efforts between local organizations, policymakers, and the community can ensure that these individuals receive the care, resources, and opportunities they need to rebuild their lives.
Advocacy and policy changes
Advocacy plays a vital role in raising awareness and pushing for policy changes to combat LGBTQ youth homelessness in Washington, D.C. Organizations dedicated to LGBTQ rights and homelessness prevention actively work to promote inclusive policies, advocate for increased funding for support programs, and provide training to service providers to ensure they are equipped to address the specific needs of this vulnerable population.
LGBTQ youth homelessness in D.C. is an ongoing crisis that demands attention and action from individuals, organizations, and policymakers alike. Here are a few things you can do to help:
• Use Your Voice. Establish an ongoing voice in your ANC or your Ward on these matters. Reach out to your ANC commissioner if you feel your ANC can help. Start an ongoing conversation with the Constituent Services employees in your Ward member’s office and those offices of the At-Large Councilmembers. And reach out to the Mayor’s office when you have information that can help.
• Volunteer and Contribute. Volunteer your time and (when possible) financial support to organizations in the District that are making an on-the-ground difference. Volunteering can provide you a starting point to learn how the organization you seek to support operates and to see how efficient and effective they are internally at providing direct services to our youth.
• Know Your Partners. SMYAL does yeoman’s work working to establish healthy relationships with community organizations nationwide helping homeless LGBTQ+ youth. Learn about their work and see where supporting them makes sense for you. SMYAL does a lot to help housing providers exercise cultural competencies to address the needs of those homeless youth from our community. And SMYAL is just one group helping. Learn who your partners are.
So while significant progress has been made, there is still more work to be done to fully address the issue of LGBTQ youth homelessness in D.C. and nationwide. Ongoing advocacy, funding, and community involvement can be your leverage to help create sustainable solutions and ensure that all LGBTQ youth have access to safe housing, supportive services, and a chance to thrive in our great city.
Join CPM in contributing to local and national organizations focused specifically on LGBTQ+ youth homelessness such as the True Colors Foundation and SMYAL. Even the Salvation Army has a special program designed to reach our youth.
Resources and partners
True Colors Foundation. ”True Colors United,” founded by Cyndi Lauper and its executive director, Gregory Lewis focuses on addressing homelessness among LGBTQ youth. True Colors United works to raise awareness, provide resources, and support initiatives that aim to end homelessness among this population.
They collaborate with various stakeholders, including individuals, communities, government agencies, and service providers, to develop innovative solutions and implement policies that can effectively address the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ homeless youth. True Colors United also provides training and technical assistance to service providers, helping them create safe and inclusive environments for LGBTQ youth experiencing homelessness.
The Salvation Army. In the past, some LGBTQ activists and organizations have criticized the Salvation Army for discriminatory practices, specifically related to its treatment of LGBTQ individuals. Concerns have been raised about the organization’s position on same-sex relationships and its history of lobbying against LGBTQ rights.
It’s important to note that the Salvation Army is a decentralized organization, and its policies and practices may vary across different regions and locations. Some individual Salvation Army centers and programs may have taken steps to be more inclusive and supportive of LGBTQ individuals.
In recent years, the Salvation Army has made efforts to address concerns and improve its relationship with the LGBTQ community. They have stated that their services are available to all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
SMYAL. SMYAL (Supporting and Mentoring Youth Advocates and Leaders) is an organization based in D.C. that focuses on supporting and empowering LGBTQ youth. While SMYAL primarily focuses on providing a range of services to LGBTQ youth, including support groups, counseling, leadership development, and advocacy, they also address LGBTQ youth homelessness.
SMYAL acknowledges that LGBTQ youth are disproportionately affected by homelessness due to various factors, including family rejection, discrimination, and lack of supportive resources. To address this issue, SMYAL offers specific programs and initiatives:
Housing Support: SMYAL provides assistance and support to LGBTQ youth who are experiencing homelessness or housing instability. They work with local partners to help youth find safe and affirming housing options, navigate the housing system, and access necessary resources.
Emergency Housing: SMYAL operates an emergency housing program known as the SMYAL House. This residential program provides temporary shelter and support services for LGBTQ youth experiencing homelessness. The program aims to create a safe and inclusive environment where youth can access resources, receive counseling, and work toward securing stable housing.
Outreach and Education: SMYAL engages in community outreach and education efforts to raise awareness about LGBTQ youth homelessness. They work to educate the public, service providers, and policymakers about the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ youth and advocate for policies and practices that ensure their safety and well-being.
Supportive Services: SMYAL offers a range of supportive services to LGBTQ youth, including case management, mental health counseling, employment assistance, and educational support. These services aim to address the underlying issues that contribute to youth homelessness and help young people build resilience and self-sufficiency.
Wanda Alston Foundation. The Wanda Alston Foundation is dedicated to ensuring that LGBTQ youth have access to services that improve their overall quality of life. Donations naturally continue their work to change the lives of LGBTQ homeless and at-risk youth for the better. Remote volunteer opportunities are available until we resume in-person volunteering. Current volunteer projects include: Social media management, website management, fundraising, policy review and development, and communications. Check out their website for ways to get involved.
Scott Bloom is senior property manager and owner, Columbia Property Management.
Real Estate
Convert rent check into an automatic investment, Marjorie!
Basic math shows benefits of owning vs. renting
Suppose people go out for dinner and everyone is talking about how they are investing their money. Some are having fun with a few new apps they downloaded – where one can round up purchases and then bundle that money into a weekly or monthly investment that grows over time, which is a smart thing to do. The more automatic one can make the investments, the less is required to “think about it” and the more it just happens. It becomes a habit and a habit becomes a reward over time.
Another habit one can get into is just making that rent check an investment. One must live somewhere, correct? And in many larger U.S. cities like New York, Chicago, D.C., Los Angeles, Miami, Charlotte, Atlanta, Dallas, Nashville, Austin, or even most mid-market cities, rents can creep up towards $2,000 a month (or more) with ease.
Well, do the math. At $2,000 per month over one year, that’s $24,000. If someone stays in that apartment (with no rent increases) for even three years, that amount triples to $72,000. According to Rentcafe.com, the average rent in the United States at the end of 2025 was around $1,700 a month. Even that amount of rent can total between $60,000 and $80,000 over 3-4 years.
What if that money was going into an investment each month? Now, yes, the argument is that most mortgage payments, in the early years, are more toward the interest than the principal. However, at least a portion of each payment is going toward the principal.
What about closing costs and then selling costs? If a home is owned for three years, and then one pays out of pocket to close on that home (usually around 2-3% of the sales price), does owning it for even three years make it worth it? It could be argued that owning that home for only three years is not enough time to recoup the costs of mostly paying the interest plus paying the closing costs.
Let’s look at some math:
A $300,000 condo – at 3% is $9,000 for closing costs.
One can also put as little as 3 or 3.5% down on a home – so that is also around $9,000.
If a buyer uses D.C. Opens Doors or a similar program – a down payment can be provided and paid back later when the property is sold so that takes care of some of the upfront costs. Knowledgeable lenders can often discuss other useful down payment assistance programs to help a buyer “find the money.”
Another useful tactic many agents use is to ask for a credit from the seller. If a property has sat on the market for weeks, the seller may be willing to give a closing cost credit. That amount can vary. New construction sellers may also offer these closing cost credits as well.
And that, Marjorie, just so you will know, and your children will someday know, is THE NIGHT THE RENT CHECK WENT INTO AN INVESTMENT ACCOUNT ON GEORGIA AVENUE!
Joseph Hudson is a referral agent with Metro Referrals. Reach him at 703-587-0597 or [email protected].
Some vehicles age quietly — but not muscle cars.
For 2026, the Chevrolet Corvette tightens its focus, fixes one glaring flaw (the previously dowdy interior) and flaunts a futuristic design. The Dodge Charger, on the other hand, is loud and proud, daring you to ignore its presence at your peril.
CHEVROLET CORVETTE
$73,000-$92,000
MPG: 16 city/25 highway
0 to 60 mph: 2.8 seconds
Cargo space: 13 cu. ft.
PROS: Awesome acceleration. Race-car feel. Snazzy cabin.
CONS: No manual transmission. No rear seat. Tight storage.
Finally, the Chevrolet Corvette feels as good inside as it looks flying past you on the freeway. That’s thanks to the classy, completely redesigned cabin. Gone is the old, polarizing wall of buttons in favor of a sleeker, three-screen cockpit. There’s a large digital gauge cluster, a wide infotainment screen angled toward the driver, and a marvy new auxiliary display. Everything is modern and a bit glitzy — but in a good way.
Fit and finish are higher quality than before, and the controls are more intuitive. Chevy’s Performance App is now standard across trims, offering real-time data for drivers who enjoy metrics as much as momentum. And the new interior color schemes, including slick asymmetrical options, let you express yourself without screaming for attention—confidence, not obnoxious bluster.
As for handling, the steering is quick and sure, body control is exceptional, and acceleration is blazingly fast. A mid-engine layout also delivers sublime balance.
Three trim options, including the V8-powered Stingray, the E-Ray (also with a V8 but paired with electric all-wheel drive), and the Z06 and ZR1 variants for racing devotees.
(Note to self: For a truly mind-blowing experience, there’s the new 1,250-horsepower ZR1X all-electric supercar that goes from 0 to 60 mph in less that 2 seconds and is priced starting at $208,000.)
Yes, the ride in any of these Corvettes can be firm. And visibility is, well, rather compromised. But this supercar is a total Dom, not a timid sub. Think Alexander Skarsgard in “Pillion,” and you get the picture.
DODGE CHARGER
$52,000-$65,000
MPG: 16 city/26 highway
0 to 60 mph: 3.9 seconds
Cargo capacity: 22.75 cu. ft.
PROS: Choice of gas or EV power. Modern tech. Spacious cabin.
CONS: No V8 engine (yet). Soft steering. Less-than-lithe cornering.
Everything old is new again for the Dodge Charger. The automaker initially was phasing out gas-powered models in a shift to electric vehicles but then quickly pivoted back to include gas engines after yo-yo regulatory changes this year from, well, the yo-yos in the White House.
Powerful twin-turbo engines in the R/T and Scat Pack trims produce up to 550 horsepower. These models come standard with all-wheel drive but can be switched to rear-wheel drive for classic muscle-car antics when the mood strikes you.
At the same time, Dodge still offers the electric Charger Daytona, delivering up to 670 horsepower and ferocious straight-line acceleration.
The Charger’s aggressive design, massive digital displays and practical hatchback layout carry over, reinforcing its ability to be both a performance diva and everyday companion. With the larger-than-expected storage space, I appreciated being able to fit a boatload of groceries in the trunk during a Costco run.
New wheel designs, paint choices and trim variations help you visually distinguish between gas and electric Chargers. But no matter the model, each one feels decisive and deliberate on the road. Commuting in stop-and-go traffic during rush hour is fine, but this street machine excels at high-speed cruising on the freeway.
The turbo six-cylinder engine delivers muscular torque with less drama than the old V8s, but still with plenty of urgency. The electric Daytona version is a different kind of thrill, with its instant, silent thrust that feels like it could almost launch you to the moon.
Steering is stable but not exactly crisp, and the Charger’s weight makes it less lithe—and lively—than other muscle cars, especially when navigating tight corners.
But that’s just fine with me. Like Bea Arthur as Dorothy in “The Golden Girls,” this no-nonsense muscle car is proud to be big, bold and brassy.
Real Estate
Top buyer-friendly markets for the LGBTQ community
Home should be a place where you can be fully yourself
Buying or selling a home is one of the most meaningful financial and emotional decisions a person can make. For LGBTQ+ individuals and families, that journey can also come with unique considerations — from finding truly inclusive neighborhoods to working with professionals who understand and respect who you are.
The good news? Across the United States, there are increasingly buyer-friendly housing markets where LGBTQ+ home buyers and sellers can find opportunity, affordability, and community. When paired with the right representation, these markets can offer not only strong financial value, but peace of mind.
For more than 30 years, GayRealEstate.com has been the leading source of LGBTQ+ real estate representation, helping LGBTQ+ buyers and sellers connect with vetted, LGBTQ+ friendly real estate agents who understand the nuances of fair housing, legal protections, and inclusive service.
Below, we explore top buyer-friendly markets for the LGBTQ+ community, along with practical tips to help you navigate the process with confidence.
What Makes a Market Buyer-Friendly?
A buyer-friendly market isn’t just about lower prices — especially for LGBTQ+ home buyers. It often includes:
- Increased housing inventory (more choices, less pressure)
- Slower price growth or stabilized pricing
- Greater negotiating power for buyers
- Established or emerging LGBTQ+ communities
- Local protections and inclusive policies
- Access to LGBTQ+ friendly real estate agents and resources
Markets that combine affordability with inclusivity can be especially attractive for first-time gay home buyers, same-sex couples, and LGBTQ+ families planning for long-term stability.
Top Buyer-Friendly Markets for LGBTQ Home Buyers
1. Austin & San Antonio, Texas
Once known for extreme competition, many Texas metros have shifted into more buyer-friendly territory due to increased inventory.
Why it works for LGBTQ+ buyers:
- Strong LGBTQ+ communities, especially in Austin
- More negotiating leverage than in prior years
- Diverse neighborhoods at varying price points
Tip: Texas does not have statewide LGBTQ+ housing protections, making it especially important to work with an experienced LGBTQ+ friendly realtor through GayRealEstate.com.
2. Columbus & Cincinnati, Ohio
Ohio cities continue to attract buyers looking for value without sacrificing culture or inclusivity.
Why it works:
- Lower median home prices
- Growing LGBTQ+ populations
- Strong healthcare, education, and job markets
These cities are particularly appealing for LGBTQ+ buyers relocating from higher-cost coastal markets.
3. Richmond, Virginia
Richmond has become a standout for LGBTQ+ home ownership thanks to affordability, history, and progressive growth.
Highlights:
- Inclusive local culture
- Buyer-friendly price trends
- Walkable neighborhoods popular with LGBTQ+ professionals
4. Minneapolis–St. Paul, Minnesota
The Twin Cities consistently rank high for LGBTQ+ quality of life and legal protections.
Why LGBTQ+ buyers love it:
- Strong anti-discrimination laws
- Stable home values
- Excellent resources for LGBTQ+ families
Minnesota offers one of the safest environments for LGBTQ+ home buyers and sellers navigating the real estate process.
5. Jacksonville & Tampa Bay, Florida
Florida remains complex for LGBTQ+ buyers, but some metros still offer strong buyer opportunity.
What to know:
- Increased inventory = more negotiating power
- Coastal lifestyle at lower cost than South Florida
- Local LGBTQ+ communities continue to grow
Because statewide protections vary, partnering with a GayRealEstate.com LGBTQ+ friendly real estate agent is essential.
Finding LGBTQ-Friendly Neighborhoods
Not every “affordable” neighborhood is inclusive — and safety, comfort, and belonging matter.
When searching for LGBTQ+ friendly neighborhoods:
- Look for visible LGBTQ+ organizations, events, and businesses
- Research local non-discrimination ordinances
- Ask your agent about lived experiences, not just statistics
- Talk to neighbors and local LGBTQ+ groups
Agents in the Gay Real Estate Network often provide insight that listing data alone cannot.
The Importance of LGBTQ Real Estate Representation
While fair housing laws exist, LGBTQ+ housing discrimination still happens — sometimes subtly, sometimes overtly.
Working with an LGBTQ+ friendly real estate agent helps ensure:
- Respectful communication
- Advocacy during negotiations
- Awareness of legal protections
- A safer, more affirming experience
GayRealEstate.com has spent over three decades building the most trusted network of gay realtors, lesbian real estate agents, and LGBTQ+ friendly real estate professionals nationwide.
Legal Protections Every LGBTQ Buyer and Seller Should Know
Federal protections now include sexual orientation and gender identity under the Fair Housing Act, but enforcement and local laws vary.
Before buying or selling:
- Understand your state and local protections
- Know how to document discriminatory behavior
- Work with professionals who take advocacy seriously
- Use trusted LGBTQ+ real estate resources
GayRealEstate.com agents are experienced in helping clients navigate these realities with confidence.
Tips for LGBTQ Home Buyers & Sellers
- Get pre-approved early to strengthen your buying position
- Interview agents and ask direct questions about LGBTQ+ experience
- Don’t ignore your instincts — comfort matters
- Plan long-term: community, schools, healthcare, and protections
- Use LGBTQ+-specific resources rather than generic searches
Buyer-friendly markets create opportunity — but representation creates security.
Whether you’re a first-time gay home buyer, a same-sex couple relocating, or an LGBTQ+ seller preparing for your next chapter, choosing the right market and the right representation makes all the difference.
For over 30 years, GayRealEstate.com has been the trusted leader in LGBTQ+ real estate, connecting buyers and sellers with professionals who understand the importance of inclusion, advocacy, and respect.
Your home should be more than a place to live — it should be a place where you can be fully yourself.
Scott Helms is president and owner of Gayrealestate.com.
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