Researcher(s)
- Michael Shields, Human Services, University of Delaware
Faculty Mentor(s)
- Eric Layland, Human Development & Family Sciences, University of Delaware
- Mary Mitsdarffer, Public Policy, University of Delaware
Abstract
Background: LGBTQ+ youth make up a disproportionate amount of youth experiencing homelessness in the United States, where they face exclusionary policies and discrimination. Though locally known to be an issue, the epidemic of LGBTQ+ youth homeless in Delaware remains unevaluated. Therefore, this project’s purpose was to identify (1) barriers to accessing housing in Delaware for LGBTQ+ youth experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness and (2) barriers for housing providers in Delaware serving LGBTQ+ youth.
Methods: We conducted three focus groups with housing and social service providers (n=8) and separately with LGBTQ+ youth with lived experience of homelessness (n=3) across Delaware. After transcribing focus group recordings, we used thematic analysis to identify major themes in barriers to accessing or providing housing services for LGBTQ+ youth.
Results: Four major themes were identified: (1) Training competent providers: Delaware does not support or require LGBTQ+ cultural competency training for providers, (2) Collecting data: No LGBTQ+ data is collected among youth experiencing homelessness, (3) Responding to rejection: Due to structural barriers and discrimination experienced when accessing housing, some youth engage in survival behaviors to secure shelter, and (4) Navigating insufficient services: LGBTQ+ youth with lived experience of homelessness in Delaware experience two paradoxes. First, misfit of resources with needs produces a cycle wherein shelters refer youth to LGBTQ+ organizations for affirming services but LGBTQ+ organizations refer youth back to shelters to access housing. Second, despite more resources existing in some urban areas, youth in Wilmington and Dover face additional unique obstacles to accessing services.
Conclusion: To address and mitigate barriers we recommend the State of Delaware fund and require LGBTQ+ cultural competency training for housing providers, collect and distribute LGBTQ+ data on youth experiencing homelessness, and expand current housing services to be more inclusive for all youth, especially LGBTQ+ youth.