The Atlanta nonprofit Covenant House reports that more than 3,000 young people in the city  have experienced or are currently experiencing homelessness. Of these individuals, 40% identify as LGBTQIA+. 

Lost-n-Found Youth, a local nonprofit, wants to help give this population options to escape homelessness. The organization provides LGBTQIA+ people ages 18-25 with the skills and resources they need to escape the cycle of homelessness with end-to-end services through their staff and community partners. 

 “These youth need all the help that they can get,” said Lost-n-Found Executive Director Melanea Alvarez. “Someone who is not going to sit there and judge.” 

Homelessness is not a new problem in Atlanta. Mayor Andre Dickens signed an executive order this year to spend $4.6 million to help the homeless population. Alvarez believes this order is moving the city in a positive direction, but “it’s not a solution to fit everybody.” She believes leaders have been putting a bandage on homelessness for a very long time. 

This story is from a special collaboration between SCAD and Rough Draft Atlanta. To read more stories from SCAD students, visit our SCAD x Rough Draft hub.

One initiative the city is working on is a mentorship program for LGBTQIA+ people ages 16-25 where “mentors will provide guidance, support, and a nurturing environment for mentees,” said Atlanta Deputy Chief Equity Officer Gabrielle Slade. 

While the city is working on multiple initiatives to build community, kids still find themselves struggling to find and keep shelter. Lost-N-Found provides emergency and transitional housing in the form of a safe place to stay for up to 90 days. The organization teaches job skills and helps to find employment. They also connect youth with mental health services.  

LGBTQAI+ youth are 120% more likely to face homelessness than their peers, and they face discrimination in schools, as well as the job and housing market. In 2019 more than 70% of students in Georgia experienced at least one form of discrimination due to sexuality at school and 25% of students heard staff make homophobic remarks. 

 “A lot of these youths have barely made it through high school,” said Alvarez. 

An active support system has been put in place by Lost-N-Found to combat this discrimination. Lost-N-Found aims to empower youth and break the cycle of homelessness through mentoring, alumni support networks and programs focused towards future readiness in the job market. They have eight faith-based leaders in the community. 

“They’re always doing activities,” said Sara Wilkin, an organizer who is currently offering her time for a pantry overhaul. “They’re always doing fundraisers. They’re always showing up in the community.” 

Lost-n-Found emphasizes that while they are dedicated to ending homelessness, they are not a shelter. 

“Most homeless shelters provide a bed and maybe some food and expect you to figure it out on your own,” said Kimberly, a Lost-n-Found “graduate” in an interview after the organization helped her get back on her feet. “When I was at Lost-N-Found…whatever I needed it was accessible, or someone got it for me.” 

Alvarez said resolving homelessness starts with creating housing opportunities. 

“Get the folks off the street,” Alvarez said. “Put them in a frame of mind where they’re protected. They can feel empowered to make decisions. They can feel as if they are starting to have control over their life.”

People that Lost-n-Found has helped in the past are starting to return and help others. Lost-N-Found sends out monthly newsletters to keep the conversation going even after youths leave their program. A conversation between two Lost-n-Found “graduates” inspired “The Box,”  a video about the downfalls of being put into a box or a category, emphasizing building a world “where everyone has a place to call home.”

Lost-n-Found is open for volunteer opportunities through their street outreach program, youth home and youth center.  Their thrift store, where 42% of their funding comes from, is open to the public at varying hours throughout the week and they accept new and used goods from the community.