#40toNone

According to the National Student Campaign Against Hunger and Homelessness,

more than 3.5 million people experience homelessness each year in the Unites States. Further research shows that of these 3.5 million people, it is estimated that 1.6. Million are youth. According to the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, family conflict is the primary cause of homelessness for all youth regardless of how they classify themselves. However, conflict over a youth’s sexual orientation or gender identity is a significant factor that leads to homelessness. More specifically, of the 1.6 million homeless youth, 40% identify as gay or transgendered.

In response to these disproportionate numbers, in 2011, The True Colors Fund created the Forty to None Project. The Forty to None Project is the first national program that focuses on youth homelessness and its impact on gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender young people. The Forty to None Project has created an extensive set of programs and initiatives around the areas of education, advocacy, empowerment, capacity building, and inclusion. The program focuses primarily on raising public awareness, engaging society to be a part of the solution, and advocating on behalf of gay and transgender homeless youth.

On Wednesday, April 29, 2015, the Montrose Center in Houston will be joining people across the country for the first ever #40toNoneDay. #40toNoneDay is a national day focused on raising awareness about LGBT youth homelessness. The goal of The Montrose Center is to reduce the percentage LGBT homelessness from 40% to none.

Did you know that 40% of homeless youth identify as LGBT? Neither did we. In order to end LGBT youth homelessness, it is important that everyone know it exists. 

     To raise awareness follow the steps as described on the #40toNone webpage:

1.    Download an “unselfie” sign.
Pick the sign that speaks to you the most. 
2. Snap a photo.
Hold the sign in front of you and snap a photo – or have a friend take the photo for you! Make sure that there’s light in front of you, rather than behind you. 
3.  Post your Unselfie on April 29 using the hashtag #40toNoneDay. 
Let the world know you’re committed to ending LGBT youth homelessness! Post your unselfie on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and all of your other favorite social networks.

To learn more visit: www.40toNoneDay.org

Best Wishes,

Vanessa Barrientos, Tianna Randle-Bean, and Dahlia Herrod.

*Disclaimer: This blog is for a class project and not an official blog