Eliminating LGBTQ2S youth and young adult homelessness

About this Award Winning Research

The results can be used to inform other communities when designing future LGBTQ2S transitional housing programs.

The goals for this research study are to gain better insights into the:

• pathways to homelessness
• systemic and structural barriers to housing
• health and wellbeing
• what hinders successful exits out of homelessness

How was the research conducted?

The study used qualitative, community-based and mixed methods to investigate the experiences of LGBTQ2S youth in Toronto’s shelter system. It also looked at how broader policy issues contribute to oppressive contexts for these youth.

High rates of discrimination and widespread homophobic and transphobic violence against LGBTQ2S youth in shelters were discovered. As was a lack of LGBTQ2S competency training for frontline staff.

After YMCA Sprott House was built, a first-year process evaluation was conducted. It found that the youth experienced:

• decreased unemployment
• increased school enrolment
• a sense of belonging

That said, numerous youth reported unmet mental health needs. This evaluation guided iterative change and development to the program’s structure during its first year.

How will this research help?

Continued evaluation results from YMCA Sprott House will help create an evidence-based model to guide the improvement, development and evaluation of future population-based housing programs.

Research Status

Continuing this research will initiate a longitudinal mixed-methods evaluation project planning process.

It will develop two advisory committees (housing program and youth). Findings from the first year process evaluation will be shared with the advisory committees and housing community. This will help inform the implementation of future specialized transitional housing programs. The advisory committees will develop a detailed longitudinal evaluation plan. It will assess how the program affects outcomes for youth over time across numerous indicators, including mental health and well-being.