Homelessness is a reality that affects more than 6,000 young people in Spain. Within this group, LGTBIQA+ people face additional challenges that further complicate their situation. Lack of acceptance, prejudice, stigma, economic difficulties and social barriers hinder their access to a stable and secure life. In this context, HOGAR SÍ and Provivienda's H4Y FUTURO social innovation program, financed by the European Next Generation EU funds of the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan, through the Ministry of Social Rights, Consumption and Agenda 2030, has been an important initiative to support LGTBIQA+ youth living on the streets.
The challenges of LGTBIQA+ people experiencing homelessness
The LGTBIQA+ community is more likely to experience residential exclusion and homelessness due to multiple factors. Family rejection based on sexual identity or orientation leaves many people without support networks, exposing them to a greater risk of living on the street. Approximately 1 in 3 LGTBIQA+ people have experienced homelessness at some point in their lives, according to the European Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA).
Discrimination and lack of social acceptance can hinder other daily processes such as job search. In this sense, 77% of trans women in Spain have suffered discrimination when looking for work (FRA), which hinders their economic stability and access to and maintenance of adequate housing.
The H4Y FUTURO program: an inclusive and transformative approach
The H4Y FUTURO program has accompanied young LGTBIQA+ people who were in a situation of homelessness or residential exclusion. Most of these people have suffered situations of vulnerability due to their identity and orientation, many of them in their countries of origin, forcing them to migrate. In Spain, the lack of support networks and difficulties in accessing immigration procedures have aggravated their situation.
H4Y FUTURO is a project that offers a response for young people between 18 and 25 years of age in a situation of homelessness. Based on a rights-based approach, this program aims to facilitate access to stable and safe housing and offers social support to generate processes of autonomy. This project, taking into account individual needs and those of the young people's own evolutionary stage, is different in that it works to avoid chronification and encourages deinstitutionalization, since many of them come from juvenile resources. "They are people with good social skills, most of them with compulsory education, but who have gone through different traumatic experiences that have made them perceive the world as hostile or have generated anxiety or depression", explained Gaizka Cuenca, socio-educational technician.
Encouraging results and learnings: building trust and confidence
The focus of the program has been on building relationships of trust and safety, which are fundamental to overcoming trauma and vulnerability. "A climate of trust has been built through actions of genuine understanding by dedicating time to listen to their stories, validate their experiences and demonstrate empathy," continued Gaizka Cuenca.
One of the keys to H4Y FUTURO's success has been to offer consistent and predictable support, creating safe spaces where these youth can build new relationships and support networks. "The program has also focused its efforts on building individual and community resilience, accompanying youth in strengthening their skills and empowerment," said the socio-educational technician.
"The Housing First for Youth approach, along with trauma-informed accompaniment practices, offer LGBTIQA+ youth an effective pathway to address homelessness and traumatic experiences. By focusing on trust, safety and flexibility, we can provide transformative experiences that promote stability, holistic support and resilience," concluded Gaizka Cuenca.
Finally, it should be noted that LGTBIQA+ individuals in the H4Y FUTURE program have a higher project exit rate than other young people in a similar situation.
A future without homelessness and lgtbiphobia
"It is critical that policies and programs aimed at addressing homelessness recognize and address the specific needs of LGTBIQA+ people. Implementing laws and policies that prohibit discrimination in access to housing and providing adequate support programs are essential steps to foster inclusion and equal opportunities," explained Alba Gonzalez, advocacy technician at the innovation projects.
Together and with social innovation programs like H4Y FUTURE, we can help build a world where all people, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, nationality, ethnicity, race or spirituality, have a safe and dignified place to call home.
