According to the Albert Kennedy Trust, 24% of homeless young people identify as LGBTQ+. Queer homeless people are also less likely to seek support than their straight or cis peers, and are more likely to experience abuse and violence.

If you’ve become homeless or worried you might become homeless soon, and you’re gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender, then there are organisations out there who can help. You’re not alone.

Albert Kennedy Trust – AKT provides safe space and mentorship for LGBTQ+ youth (16-26) who are homeless or unsafe. The charity can help you find emergency accommodation, provide advice, keep you safe, and even offers further developmental support to help you achieve your goals.

You can call them 10am - 4:30pm Mon-Fri on the following numbers: London - 020 7831 6562, Manchester - 0161 228 3308, Newcastle - 0191 281 0099

Stonewall housing – SH runs an advice line which you can call if you’re LGBTQ+ and homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Call on 020 7359 5767 between 10am and 1pm. It also provides supported accommodation through LGBTQ+ house shares, but due to high demand the service has a waiting list.

Your local council – According to Shelter, your council is obligated to offer you emergency housing whilst it looks into your suitability for longer-term housing. This could be a homeless hostel, B&B, or house. Emergency housing isn’t free; you must pay, but it must also be affordable for you. The council should provide this until a decision has been reached on your suitability for longer-term housing. For more information, click here.

There are also other non-LGBTQ+ specific charities who provide advice and help to homeless people:

Crisis: 0300 636 1967, [email protected]

Centrepoint: (for 16-25 year olds): 0845 466 3400, [email protected]

Shelter: 0808 250 9427

In an emergency, such as an ongoing assault or life-threatening situation, always call 999 and ask for the police.