The programs featured in this book, and others in Canada and the United States, save the lives of LGBTQ2S youth experiencing homelessness. They often work with insufficient funding, sometimes in hostile local and national political climates, to meet the needs of far too many LGBTQ2S young people who are reliant upon them. They are leaders in addressing homophobia, transphobia, heterosexism, cissexism, colonialism, racism, and poverty. They are brilliant when it comes to engaging young people and in crafting plans, together with LGBTQ2S young people, to improve the chances that those young people will exit homelessness.
However, programs are not enough.
Programs alone will never adequately address LGBTQ2S youth homelessness. Programs should be part of a comprehensive, coordinated system that works to prevent LGBTQ2S youth from becoming homeless, and if homelessness occurs, quickly moving them into housing with appropriate supports.