Supporting Homeless and At-Risk LGBTQ+ Youth (Aged 18-27)
At Kenneth and Jacob’s House, we follow a structured and compassionate intake process designed to ensure every young person receives personalized care, support, and dignity. Our approach begins by working closely with partner agencies and outreach workers to identify youth in need and continues through tailored case management and after-care support to help young people move toward safety, stability, and empowerment.
Who is a Homeless Youth as Defined by Kenneth and Jacob’s House?
A homeless youth is a gender-diverse or sexual minority young person, between the ages of 18 and 27, who suddenly finds themselves without a safe home because they have been:
- Kicked out by parents or guardians
- Evicted from where they were living
- Forced to leave by a partner or close relations
This situation leaves them on the streets or in unsafe environments without immediate support systems. Our definition is rooted in lived experiences within our community and the urgent need for safe, affirming shelter and care.
Eligibility Criteria for Our Programs
To ensure we provide effective support, we serve young people who meet all of the following:
- Age: Between 18 and 27 years old.
- Identity: Self-identify as LGBTQ+ (gender-diverse or sexual minority).
- Housing Status: Currently homeless or at immediate risk of homelessness as per our definition.
- Need for Support: Require shelter combined with psychosocial care, education, employment readiness, or life skills support.
We prioritize youth in urgent need based on shelter availability and their assessed vulnerability.
Who Can Refer a Youth to Our Program?
Keeping in mind that we do not encourage self referrals, referrals are an important first step and may come only from the following trusted sources:
- Partner Agencies: Organizations actively supporting LGBTQ+ or at-risk youth.
- Outreach Workers: Community workers, social workers, or advocates who have direct contact with homeless or struggling youth be affiliated to an organization.
- Health and Social Services: Clinics, mental health providers, or shelters working with gender diverse populations.
We maintain strict confidentiality and respect for all youth referred, ensuring their safety and dignity throughout the process.
The Intake Steps
Step 1: Client Identification & Access
Youth are referred by our network of partners and outreach workers, ensuring those in need are identified and guided towards the program.
Step 2: Pre-Screening
Our team confirms the youth’s homelessness or risk status. Youth not meeting criteria are linked to alternative services.
Step 3: Admission & Placement
Eligible youth are admitted by priority and shelter availability, ensuring those most in urgent need receive care first.
Step 4: Intake & Triage
We conduct thorough assessments covering safety, mental and physical health, education, and personal circumstances to tailor support.
Step 5: Admission Criteria Review
Referral agencies verify eligibility based on our guidelines, generally through a phone call followed by email confirmation.
Step 6: Case Management
Each youth receives an individualized plan focusing on education, employment readiness, life skills, and emotional support to promote growth.
Step 7: Housing & After-Care Planning
As youth prepare to leave shelter, we help them transition to stable housing and independent living arrangements.
Step 8: After-Care Support
Our commitment continues beyond their stay with ongoing support to reduce the risk of a return to homelessness.
Why This Process Matters
Our clear, compassionate intake process guarantees every youth entering Kenneth and Jacob’s House is met with respect and receives the comprehensive help needed to rebuild their life. From the moment of referral through ongoing after-care, we focus on safety, dignity, and empowerment.
Get Involved or Reach Out
If you are a youth in need, a caring individual, or an organization wanting to refer someone, please contact us. Together, we can end queer youth homelessness and create a world where every young person has a safe space to heal, grow, and thrive.
Kenneth And Jacob's House 