The Metamorphosis Project has helped to connect LGBTQ youth in need to critical resources like case management, health care, legal transition support, transportation, food, and shelter. In 2018, OUTMemphis provided vital supportive services to over 50 young adults. This year the center expanded those resources to include shelter, helping homeless young adults secure an apartment or house and then providing them with the support necessary to become self-sufficient.
These services do more than just keep LGBTQ young adults safe and secure—they set them up to be successful in life. For those young adults who receive rental assistance from OUTMemphis, this might be their very first holiday season living in their own apartment. For others, the food, clothing, and supportive services OUTMemphis provides can mean the difference between happy holiday memories and trauma that lasts a lifetime.
But it takes a village to raise a child, and it takes a community to support a young adult. LGBTQ and Allied people in Memphis are helping to empower the next generation through financial contributions, fundraising campaigns, and in-kind donations. As the cold rolls in this winter, it is time to unfurl a warm blanket again for the most vulnerable among us.
If you want to help, there are many ways to get involved. Making or increasing your monthly donation helps OUTMemphis continue to provide these critical services. This time of year comes with its own unique needs, and the Metamorphosis Project has an Amazon Wishlist with items that will make the holidays warmer and calmer for LGBTQ youth on their own for the first time. Additionally, donations of gently used clothes, new socks and underwear, gently used mattresses and bed frames, furniture, and small appliances (such as microwaves and toasters) are also welcome. If you would like to coordinate a time to drop off donations to OUTMemphis, please contact Stephanie Bell, Youth Services Manager.
Thank you for helping make this holiday season one of peace for our LGBTQ youth!
