As we creep ever closer to the festive period, most of us will be looking forward to eating, drinking and spending time at family or friends’ houses. Unfortunately, as anyone who lives in London will know, not everyone will have a roof over their head at Christmas.
Founded in 1989, The Albert Kennedy Trust is an organisation that tackles this problem. It is named after a 16-year-old boy who ran away from a children’s home and died after falling off a roof. It’s based in three UK cities (London, Manchester and Newcastle) and they target young LGBT people who have been forced out onto the streets or are living in hostile home environments due to their sexuality.
It is estimated that 1 in 4 homeless youths identify as LGBT and their vulnerability puts them in dangerous situations, such as being forced to offer sex for a bed.
The Trust are behind the Purple Door Project, which provides vulnerable LGBT Youth with temporary accommodation whilst specialist workers work with them to secure longer-term accommodation and offer counselling and mentoring. They also offer guidance and consulting on LGBT issues to organisations that deal with homelessness.
There are many ways you can help ensure they can continue carrying out their valuable work. You can easily make one-off or set up regular donations online, or you take part in their fundraising events, such as skydiving or London to Paris cycles. If you are willing to commit more time and gain experience at the same time, then you can volunteer or apply to be a carer and provide a room for a homeless LGBT young person.
