Shining a Spotlight on LGBTQ Youth Homelessness in Illinois

(Undated) -- An event this weekend will shine a public spotlight on L-G-B-T-Q youth homelessness in Illinois. Tracy Baim with the “Owning Our Lives: Dream It. Speak It. Do It!!” summit says about 40 percent of homeless youth are L-G-B-T-Q,, and more than 75 percent of L-G-B-T-Q kids in the care of the Department of Children’s Services will become homeless. The summit will be held in Chicago. Youths impacted by homelessness will brainstorm ideas on Friday, and on Saturday they will share their needs with community leaders and others. Baim says Monday, a report with both short- and long-term strategies will be presented to policy makers who might be able to develop strategies to bring additional resources to address the challenges facing homeless kids.