OUTMemphis opened the doors of a brand new facility this week — a haven for LGBTQ+ young adults in crisis — that’s the first of its kind in the region.
The new Youth Emergency Center (YEC) is a 2,000 square-foot drop-in center for those aged 16 to 24 seeking emergency shelter. It will offer wrap-around support for these young adults, including new interventions as family conflict can lead to suicide, long-term substance abuse, coerced sex work, permanent homelessness, and lifelong mental health barriers, according to OUTMemphis.
LGBTQ+ youth are 120 percent more likely to experience homelessness than their non-LGBTQ+ peers, according to the organization. Since the pandemic began, OUTMemphis said it has seen nearly double the numbers of youth seeking emergency shelter through the organization. In the 16-24-year-old age range, youth are at a higher risk of becoming chronically homeless.
The facility will be the home base for OUTMemphis’ youth housing program, the Metamorphosis Project, which began in 2017 and will provide transitional housing, case management, and other support.
“Almost five years ago now, we were regularly finding youth sleeping on our porch at OUTMemphis,” said Stephanie Reyes, OUTMemphis deputy director and founder of the Metamorphosis Project. “Every day, we encountered young people who found themselves in emergency situations, with nowhere to turn. We dreamed up a space that was more then a just a shelter and catered specifically to our youth community.”
“Almost five years ago now, we were regularly finding youth sleeping on our porch at OUTMemphis.” Stephanie Reyes.
The YEC features a living room, a classroom, a kitchen and dining area, laundry services, a full, accessible public bathroom, and a computer lab. The building also includes dorms for up to 30 nights of residence. For respect and safety, each dorm is single-occupancy and includes an independent entrance and a full bathroom.
“As a community, experiencing the last year was a test and testament to what LGBTQ+ advocates do best: fight for our own and find seemingly impossible pathways to a thriving life,” said OUTMemphis executive director Molly Rose Quinn. “The care and innovation in this facility, from our peer advocates at the front desk to the unique design of the dorms, is driven by the lived experiences of our community. I’m deeply proud to see this service added to our city.”
The YEC was funded by the Assisi Foundation of Memphis, the Plough Foundation, Mystic Krewe of Pegasus, Manna House, and donations from families and individuals since the plans for the space were announced in 2017. Ikea, Raymond James Financial, and the PowerOn Foundation donated interiors and technology. Building design work was donated by LLW Architects. Construction consulting was donated by LGBTQ+ owned and operated TJ Builds. Local construction company ReConstruction Services completed the major portion of construction. Outdoor landscaping was supported by donations from Compost House, the Yard, and volunteers from the Kennedy View Garden Club.
