Ohio to open first LGBTQ+ adult shelter

This spring, Ohio will mark a significant stride in addressing housing insecurity within its LGBTQ+ community with the opening of the state's first dedicated homeless shelter for LGBTQ+ adults. The initiative, spearheaded by the Youngstown-based nonprofit Full Spectrum Community Outreach, aims to provide vital support for a population disproportionately affected by homelessness.

Research from the Williams Institute indicates that LGBTQ+ adults are twice as likely as the general population to experience homelessness during their lifetime, underscoring the urgent need for specialized services. Katie Coriston, Operations Manager for Full Spectrum Community Outreach, emphasized the foundational principle behind the new center: "It’s important to provide a safe space where everyone can be themselves."

The vision for this shelter, which originated eight years ago, is now becoming a reality. The organization highlights that unhoused LGBTQ+ individuals in Ohio currently face severe limitations, with many mainstream shelters often declining entry to same-sex couples or transgender individuals. Coriston affirmed, "The big shelters are not accepting, and they actually do not allow same sex couples or trans individuals to even step foot inside their front door."

Initially designed as a two-day emergency shelter, the facility will offer crucial provisions including beds, hot meals, access to donated clothing, and a free food pantry. Tim Bortner, President of Full Spectrum Community Outreach, acknowledged the limited timeframe of the initial setup but stressed the commitment to client-centric planning: "There's not a lot that can be done in those two days, but we are working on having plans set for each client."

Looking ahead, the organization harbors ambitious plans to expand its services. The ultimate goal is to evolve into a 60-day transitional shelter, providing comprehensive support through life skills, job readiness, interview preparation, and cooking classes. This expanded model seeks to empower individuals to secure stable housing and employment, fostering long-term stability and independence.

The groundbreaking nature of this shelter has already garnered significant attention, with inquiries from across Ohio and the nation. Coriston noted, "We've already actually gotten messages from people across the state and across the country wanting to know what we're doing, wanting to be involved." This underscores the broader recognition of the critical gap being filled by Full Spectrum Community Outreach.

For Coriston, the mission is deeply personal, driven by her identity as a mother within the LGBTQ+ community. She hopes the center will create a tangible positive impact, asserting, "It's so important that everyone has access to those services no matter who they are and no matter who they love. Everyone deserves that.” The opening of this pioneering shelter represents a beacon of hope and a crucial step towards equitable and inclusive support for all members of the community in Ohio.