Support Permanent, Supportive Housing for LGBT Youth in Central Harlem

In New York City a very disproportionate number (up to 40%) of homeless youth identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT).

Even more disturbing are reports that these young people often face discrimination and at times physical assault in some of the very places they have to go for help. Despite this, there is currently no permanent housing with supportive services for this population in New York City.

West End Intergenerational Residence, in collaboration with musical artist Cyndi Lauper and her manager, Lisa Barbaris, is seeking to address this issue by creating the True Colors Residence (TCR), a new construction with 30 studio apartments and program space on 154th Street in Central Harlem.

We’ll be building it from the ground up so our residents will have a brand new, modern building with studio apartments for each resident, as well as both indoor and outdoor community space to socialize or attend education and recreation programs. Each resident will be responsible for paying affordable rent based on their income and will receive ongoing assistance in obtaining employment best suited to their individual interests and skills.

Although TCR will not require participation in its programs, a variety of social and educational support services will be available to all who request them. Our primary goal is to provide a physically and emotionally safe and supportive environment that will empower our young residents to be the self-loving, happy, and successful individuals they were meant to be.

ONLY MEMBERS OF MANHATTAN'S COMMUNITY BOARD 10 SHOULD SIGN THIS PETITION. Manhattan Community Board 10 encompasses Central Harlem and the Polo Grounds – bounded approximately by Fifth Avenue (on the east) and St. Nicholas Ave (on the west) and Central Park North (on south) and 160th Street and/or the Harlem River (on north). If you are unsure whether or not you live in CD10, please check here: http://www.nyc.gov/html/dcp/pdf/lucds/mn10profile.pdf.

You must include your home address along with your name for your signature to be valid. WE MUST BE ABLE TO VERIFY THAT YOU LIVE WITHIN COMMUNITY BOARD 10. Please note, however, that street addresses will not be viewable by the public and will only be seen by representatives of West End, TCR, and Community Board 10.

For more information on West End and the True Colors Residence, please visit www.intergenerational.org.

Thank you for your support!