Dramatic Jump In Gay & Lesbian Teens Seeking Emergency Housing

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by Kirk Hawkins
Bio | Email | Follow: @kirkhawkins

Story Created: Sep 20, 2012 at 10:52 PM EDT

Story Updated: Sep 21, 2012 at 12:09 AM EDT

CHARLOTTE, N.C.--Jarrell Waddell called the back seat of his car home after he could no longer live with his family. "I was hungry, I was smelly, I hadn't had a shower in a while," said the Plaza Midwood Resident.

But that ended when L.G.B.T. support group Time Out Youth connected him with a volunteer like Nancy Kraft. She opened her home to another homeless teen. "It was rewarding. I felt good knowing that I made a difference in his  life and we became good friends," Kraft said.

Teens are forced to turn to the streets after they get kicked out.  Last year, Time Out Youth provided 82 nights of housing. So far this year, they've provided 426 nights. A 419 percent increase.

"The truth of the matter is...any youth who identifies as LGBT isn't safe in traditional emergency housing options," said Laurie Pitts of Time Out Youth.

Jonathan Green lived with a volunteer in Charlotte for several months. Now he's in school in Raleigh. "I feel like I've grown as an individual.  I didn't let it affect me, I didn't let it cripple me.  I didn't let it change who I was, I didn't let it affect my life," Green said.

As Jonathan works his way through college as a nursing assistant, Waddell is hoping to open his own restaurant. "I feel really grateful, it brings me to tears knowing people out there care that much," she said.

Time Out Youth is hoping to establish a stand alone shelter for homeless teens. But it could take months, or even a year, before it becomes a reality.

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