New York, NY 3.11 Reaching Out and Bringing Them In: Outreach and Crisis Response for Homeless Youth(Y)
Mission Statement Our mission is to protect lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning (LGBTQ) youth from the harm of homelessness, and to support them in becoming safe and independent as they move from adolescence to adulthood.
Who was Ali Forney?
AFC The Beginning LGBTQ youth needed safe shelter June 2002-6 cots in church basement Within one night, 20 on wait list Within one week, 100 on wait list
AFC Present 1. Emergency Housing 2. Transitional Housing 3. Drop-In Center
Emergency AFC Present Housing Astoria 15 beds 21+ Privately Funded Park Slope 6 beds Under 21 DYCD Funded 47 beds Taaffe 1 6 beds Under 21 DYCD Funded Sunset Park 20 beds Under 21 DYCD Funded
Transitional AFC Present Housing Broadway 24 beds Under 21 DYCD Funded Grand/Taaffe 2 16 beds 18-24 HUD Funded Park Slope 2 6 beds Under 21 DYCD Funded 54 beds Clifton 102/104 16 beds 18-24 HUD Funded
Clifton 102
Park Slope 2
Sunset Park
AFC - Present Drop-In Center 1. DOL - LEAP Program 2. Medical Services 3. Mental Health Services 4. Meals 5. Case Management 6. Groups 7. Overnight Services 8. Outreach
AFC - Present Drop-In Center
Outreach Three staff working 7 days a week Funded by Department of Health Spanish and English speaking LGBTQ competent 2 street encounters per week, distribute: Drop-in and shelter information Food Safe sex kits
Outreach 24 Street Outreach events each month 400 individual encounters each month 14% of clients who complete intakes have met our outreach team Attend community LGBTQ youth events Escort existing clients to advocacy efforts Employ Peer Outreach Workers
Outreach Safe Sex Kit Includes Condoms Finger cots Lube Palm card
Peer Outreach Department of Health 16 positions each year Safe Harbor 6 positions each year 16-24 youth of color MSM or Transwomen 16-24 years old Must have engaged in survival sex or be at risk of engaging in survival sex Prioritized for trans* youth
Peer Outreach Position Title: Outreach Intern Department: Harlem Drop-In Center Duration: 4 or 6 weeks Hours: 21 or 15 hours/week Compensation: $10/hour
Peer Outreach TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Preparing of safer sex kits and snack kits for distribution to target demographic Co-facilitate groups that pertain to safer sex practices and risk reduction Performing street outreach with staff Interfacing with the public and inform them of AFC s mission and services Building a strong knowledge of HIV/AIDS, STIs and safer sex practices Unpacking safer sex supply shipments and organizing racks in Outreach office Other assigned tasks as needed
Peer Outreach REQUIRED SKILLS: Great public interface skills Ability to maintain professional demeanor in response to rejection in the field Ability to work and cooperate in a team effort Ability to stay on task and take constructive criticism Some computer knowledge desirable (ie. Microsoft Word and other Windows-based programs)
Peer Outreach INTERVIEW QUESTIONS: In your own words, what do you think a peer outreach educator is? What interests you about this position? Why do you think you are the best candidate for the job? What do you think are the biggest issues facing LGBTQ homeless youth and why? What would you bring to the AFC Peer Outreach Educator team? What skills do you hope to gain from this internship?
Peer Outreach BENEFITS OF PEER OUTREACH They are part of AFC programming and can explain what the experience is like for them. Their peers trust them more. They know where other young people congregate. Since they are living or have lived the experiences of their peers, they understand the best ways to approach those living on the streets. They are better able to convince their peers to get off the streets.
Overnight Services Goal of Outreach is to link young people into services and get them off the streets. First, meet outreach worker. Second point of contact overnight crisis drop-in center.
Contact Information Nicole Giannone ngiannone@aliforneycenter.org 212-206-0574 www.aliforneycenter.org
The Need Top Three Most Stated Needs Other Common Needs 1. Housing 2. Food 3. Employment 1. Clothing 2. Transportation 3. Someone to talk to 4. Doctor 5. Trans* health care
Best Practices Sex Positive Identity Affirming Strengthsbased Harm Reduction Trauma Informed Care
Youth in Program Development Drop-In Center Client satisfaction surveys Community Advisory Board Trans* Advisory Board Client Internships Give Back Activities Grievance Policy Harlem Counsel Housing Evaluation surveys Resident Advisory Board Community Meetings Grievance Policy Life Coach Program