We're Helping States Make The Grade On Youth Homelessness.

• State-Issued ID

  True Colors United is working to make it easier for youth experiencing homelessness to obtain accurate state-issued identification cards. For LGBTQ youth that have been displaced due to lack of support or unsafe family environments, many are left unable to access key medical and/or social safety net services. Obtaining a state ID can be particularly difficult for those who are transgender or gender-nonconforming and can lead to harassment, assault, or denial of an updated ID. With state-issued identification, young people can identify themselves when attempting to access services, making it easier for them to get the help they need.

• Decriminalization

  We’re also committed to ending the criminalization of homelessness across the 50 states. Some laws, known as “status offense” laws apply only to minors and make it difficult for unhoused youth to live their daily lives. Some of these laws impose youth curfews and others classify running away from home as an offense. There are also public ordinances that prohibit panhandling, eating, sleeping, or even sitting in certain places and/or at certain times (e.g., sleeping on a public beach or being in a park after dusk), and are applicable to both adults and youth. We are working to shift the focus to providing help to youth, rather than penalizing them for experiencing homelessness.

   

   

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