San Diego is taking a big step towards a more inclusive society by making the community safer for vulnerable communities.
The City of San Diego is set to open the first local permanent shelter for youth homeless of LGBTQ+ background.
According to a recent national report, the rates on suicidial thoughts among the young demographic have increased over the previous three years.
The following rates have been found in various studies:
- -In the city of San Diego, approximately 40% of homeless youth identify as LGBTQ+.
- -In the state of California, 44% of LGBTQ youth considered suicide during 2022.
- 14% of LGBTQ youth in the state attempted suicide within the last 12 months.
- -62% of LGBTQ youth in the state who at some point seeked mental health assistance said they weren’t able to receive help.
- -54% of trans and nonbinary youth in the state had suicidal thoughts, and 19% of those surveyed said they attempted suicide over the past 12 months, according to data.
U.S. Rep. Scott Peters (D) confirmed recently that $1.5 million of federal funding will help turn an unused office space into this new shelter located in East Village.
If all the permits are approved, the shelter will begin its construction and be completed by the end of 2024 or January of 2025.