As we celebrate Pride Month, it’s a good time to consider the ways we can continue to support our LGBTQ community and acknowledge the challenges they face.
Queer youth are at higher risk of experiencing housing issues, with 28% of LGBTQ youth reporting experiencing homelessness or housing instability at some point in their lives. Housing issues negatively affect the mental health, education, employment, and safety of the individuals impacted.
Through its Techo fund (Spanish for “roof”), Self Help is proud to support LGTBQ youth (ages 18 to 26) in Northern New Mexico struggling with housing instability. Emergency funds can be used to maintain housing, pay move-in fees, purchase furnishings, or secure emergency or temporary shelter.
A recent recipient of a Techo fund assistance grant states:
“I have found myself stuck and scared, worried that I won’t be able to stay at the apartment I’ve been in for 5 years now. I get disability and I work part time, which means I’m on a fixed income. That usually works out, but it also means that if anything comes up that I didn’t expect (a bill, surgery, if I have to leave work, etc), I have no idea what I’m going to do suddenly. The Techo Fund has helped me out through unexpected struggles where I would’ve been hard pressed to find help otherwise. Being able to keep stable housing has been really important for me, especially with my mental and physical health issues. I don’t know where I would’ve gone if I lost my housing, or how I would’ve gotten there. It’s really nice being able to have support when you’re down, and not having to figure everything out all on your own.”
Self Help thanks the generous donors who make the Techo fund possible, allowing us to make a real difference in community members’ lives. To apply for assistance through the Techo Fund, visit Self Help’s website and click the “Request Help” button to fill out a request, or call our voicemail line at 505-662-4666.
For more resources and support around LGBTQ issues, visit:
The Trevor Project https://www.thetrevorproject.org
The Mountain Center
Equality New Mexico
Transgender Resource Center of New Mexico
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