1.7 Rachael Kenney

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The First Step is an Open Mind: Lessons Learned From the Homelessness Resource Center Rachael R. Kenney, MA Homelessness Resource Center

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Transcript of 1.7 Rachael Kenney

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The First Step is an Open Mind: Lessons Learned From the

Homelessness Resource Center

Rachael R. Kenney, MA Homelessness Resource Center

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HRC Screenshot

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LARKIN STREET, SAN FRANCISCO, CAOUTSIDE IN, PORTLAND, ORRUTH ELLIS, DETROIT, MITHE DROP IN CENTER, TULANE, NEW ORLEANS, LAUCAN HOST HOME, CHICAGO, IL

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Develop trusting relationships by fostering a strengths based approach

“It’s intense to live in the fishbowl environment of shelters and transitional housing, where adults are watching you all the time. This is at the heart of the Host Home model. The youth learn to live in a family setting, while making their own choices about where to live and how to conduct their time.”

–UCAN Host Home

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Develop a culturally competent staff

“It’s not about filling quotas—it’s about finding the right people.” –Larkin Street

“This level of control is empowering to our members,” said one staff member. “You see a side of applicants that comes out in the youth interviews that does not come out with staff. Sometimes members can better tell if the applicant ‘gets it’ with regard to GLBT issues.”

–Youth on Fire

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Support Consumer empowerment

“We’ve tried youth advisory councils in the past, but struggled to implement the requests of the youth. It was defeating. We are rethinking our strategy because you can’t ask for youth input and ultimately ignore it. They’ve been through that before, and it’s not positive for anyone.”

–Ruth Ellis Center

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Design Responsive service interventions

“I have a job for a kid, but they have to dress a certain way to get the job. I don’t want [youth] to hide who they are, but they also have to fit in to get a job.”

–The Drop In Center at Tulane

“It’s been about finding allies. We know that even if you find a position, it might not be a healthy place for the young person. Even in cases where the supervisor is an advocate for the youth, peers can create a negative experience.”

–Outside In

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Develop community partnerships

“Now [the police] bring kids to us instead of arresting them… we’ve engaged in capacity building with child protective services that was very positive. They have now become the impromptu community ambassador, referring calls from families struggling with their LGBT child to us.”

–Ruth Ellis Center

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Expand public awareness

“We know that we need to mobilize all of our community, our gay, lesbian and trans folks, and our allies, the people who really care and want to help make a difference. Having this team of people helps us extend our message and our reach a hundred fold.”

–UCAN Host Home

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Creating Communities of Change: Best Practices for Serving LGBTQI2-

S Homeless Youth

Ali Forney, New York NYHoward Brown, Chicago, ILNMGSAN, Santa Fe, NMStand Up for Kids, Miami, FL

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Outside In Portland, OR

Larkin StreetSan Francisco, CA

Youth on Fire Cambridge, MA

Ali ForneySylvia’s Place Green ChimneysNY, NY

Ruth Ellis Center Detroit, MI

UCANHoward BrownChicago, IL

The Drop In CenterNew Orleans, LA

NMGSANSanta Fe, NM

Stand Up for KidsMiami, FL

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Rachael R. [email protected]