DC opens first shelter for homeless LGBTQ+ adults

The new 40-bed facility will open in the coming weeks in the hopes of helping LGBTQ adults transition into permanent housing.

DC leaders have cut the ribbon on a new homeless shelter for LGBTQ adults in the city.

The new 40-bed facility, in Ward 7's Marshall Heights neighborhood just a few blocks off Southern Artery, will open up in the coming weeks in the hopes of helping LGBTQ adults transition into permanent housing.

More DC News
More than Local News

"They can use the shelter equally a identify to deal with the emergency and then be on the pathway to condom, permanent housing, and we can begin to break those barriers," said D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser. "It is of import that we break down barriers that forbid people from coming into shelter because we know … when nosotros can go people stabilized, they will make it in permanent housing."

Bowser said LGBTQ residents "face a range of barriers that make choosing safe housing a challenge," the mayor added, calling the shelter "an access point and opportunity for the community."

The new facility features a range of support services.

"Residents will be able to receive instance management services, psychosocial support, GED readiness training, life skills training, substance use disorder services, assist with employment, job placement, and linkages to customs resources," said Laura Zeilinger, D.C.'due south Director of Human Services, "all with a goal of successful transition to housing and economic stability."

She said targeted shelters tend to aid people go past their reservations when it comes to using those kinds of services.

"Defended infinite is necessary for our customs. Safety is an effect, particular in our low barrier shelter arrangement," said Japer Bowles, who heads the mayor's office of LGBTQ diplomacy. "Hate crimes happen, discrimination happens, and nosotros are doing everything nosotros can to convalesce that."

John Domen

John started working at WTOP in 2016 later on having grown upwards in Maryland listening to the station as a child. While he got his on-air start at modest stations in Pennsylvania and Delaware, he's spent nearly of his career in the D.C. area, having been heard on several local stations before coming to WTOP.

Like WTOP on Facebook and follow WTOP on Twitter and Instagram to appoint in conversation near this article and others.

Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox past signing up hither.