June 30, 2020
SMYAL issued a $10,000 grant
For over 35 years, SMYAL has worked to provide safe and affirming spaces for LGBTQ youth in the DMV. The organization has continued to support their most vulnerable youth throughout the COVID-19 pandemic by moving programs to a virtual platform and providing streamlined access to essential resources, food access, and health and wellness services through a centralized Youth Care Navigation Hotline. Additionally, the SMYAL Youth Housing Program remains critical in providing safe and stable shelter for homeless youth, guiding them through this unprecedented time as they navigate new challenges such as unemployment. Residents of SMYAL’s Youth Houses have been provided vital resources through the SMYAL COVID Relief Fund, which dedicates direct support to LGBTQ youth who are either experiencing homelessness or are at-risk of homelessness during the current pandemic. This grant issued through the NATS4GOOD Community Response Fund will allow SMYAL to continue to adapt to the needs of their youth and provide crucial resources and community support during the COVID-19 pandemic through programs such as the Youth Care Navigation Hotline and SMYAL Youth Housing Program.
