The 2014-2019 Housing Stability Service Planning framework adopted by City Council in 2014 includes a mandate to increase access and equity for relevant groups in Toronto, including LGBTQ2S youth. The 2013 Street Needs Assessment revealed that a large proportion of homeless youth in Toronto identify as LGBTQ2S.
Enabling access to dedicated shelter facilities will help to alleviate the vulnerabilities faced by homeless youth belonging to this group. Having come from backgrounds in which discrimination is often compounded by conflict and rejection at home and in schools, there is an urgent need for safe and accessible shelter spaces with appropriately-trained staff for these youth.
On 25th June 2014, the Community Development and Recreation Committee recommended several initial steps to City Council to begin to address this issue. There were:
1) “Council direct the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing to report back to the Community Development and Recreation Committee on August 14, 2014 on the feasibility of allocating 25 percent of shelter beds to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer/Questioning, and Two-Spirited (LGBTQ2S) youth in an existing youth shelter facility with the request that the allocation be implemented in the fourth quarter of 2014;
2. City Council request the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration to ensure that Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer/Questioning, and Two-Spirited(LGBTQ2S) cultural competency, or anti-homophobia and anti-transphobia training be made mandatory for all shelter staff immediately, including maintenance, facilities, hospitality, and management staff;
3. City Council authorize the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, to issue a Request for Expression of Interest (REOI) in 2014 to explore community interest in operating an emergency shelter or transitional housing for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer/Questioning, and Two-Spirited (LGBTQ2S) youth experiencing homelessness.”
(http://app.toronto.ca/tmmis/viewAgendaItemHistory.do?item=2014.CD30.8)
These are welcome initiatives for the LGBTQ2S community, and are of special significance after last weekend’s celebrations of World Pride here in Toronto. TWCA will follow the outcome of these recommendations with interest!
