Chetanya Gunrathi (Youth Action Board): LGBTQ+ youth homelessness
Chetanya Gunrathi of the NYC Youth Action Board testifies about disproportionate LGBTQ+ youth homelessness (40% of unhoused youth), challenges for LGBTQ+ immigrant youth, and urges expanding housing options and establishing a $15 million LGBTQIA+ immigration fund.
Good morning, everyone.
Thank you for giving me this opportunity to testify today.
My name is Chetanya Gunrathi, and I'm a member of the Youth Action Board of New York City.
The Youth Action Board is made up of young people with lived experience of homelessness.
Our goal is to help shape programs, policies that affect runaway and homeless youth in New York City and to ensure that their voices are heard.
I'm here today because I know firsthand how difficult it is to navigate housing instability as a young person.
When you do not know where you're going to sleep at night, everything becomes harder, like finding a job, continuing your education, taking care of your health, and so on.
Throughout my work with the YAB, I have learned that LGBTQIA plus youth face some of the highest risks of homelessness.
While they represent estimated 5 to 10% of overall youth population, they make up as much as 40% of youth experiencing homelessness.
Many are pushed out by family rejection, discrimination, unsafe home environments, etc.
Despite this, this prep
Proportionate need, resources, and funding have not kept pace, leaving many young people without access to stable and affirming support.
For LGBTQIA plus immigrant youth, these challenges are often even more severe.
Many come from countries where they face discrimination, persecution, or criminalization because of their identity.
After arriving in the United States, they often encounter additional barriers to housing, legal services, health care, and community support.
However, there is no dedicated city funding stream specifically focused on the LGBTQIA plus immigrant communities, leaving some of our most vulnerable youth without targeted affirming services.
This is why I support expanding housing options for LGBTQIA plus youth and increasing funding for organizations that provide affirming services.
I urge the Council to expand LGBTQIA plus youth housing, increase investment in affirming services, and establish the proposed $15 million LGBTQIA.
Care Place Immigration Fund.
No young person should have to face homelessness alone because of their identity or immigration status.
Thank you very much for your time.
Thank you for your testimony.
Click your microphone.
Yep.