WAYOUT BAY AREA

THIS YEAR

PAST RECIPIENTS

GALLERY

ABOUT wayOUT BAY AREA

Welcome to the city where it all began. Sitting around a dining room table, a group of friends decided it was time to do something to help LGBT youth and the idea of wayOUT was born. For the past 5 years, the Bay Area chapter has led the charge and raised almost $400,000 for 5 incredible organizations and they have no plans on stopping.

LGBTQ IN THE BAY AREA

As the original "gay-friendly city," the LGBTQ community has always found a home within the Golden City. While representation dates back to the last 1800s, it wasn't until the 1950s that San Francisco rose to prominence as a gay Mecca. The 1960s and 1970s brought new conversations to a national platform with politicians such as Harvey Milk and Jose Sarria taking the stage. Today, the city boasts one of the most diverse groups of LGBTQIA representation in the world.

All young people, regardless of sexual orientation or identity, deserve a safe and supportive environment in which to achieve their full potential.

— Harvey Milk

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The Bay Area Chapter is proud to support Thrive's urgent work to provide LGBTQ+ youth in need with rehousing and a safe space where everyone belongs.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUTH THRIVE CENTER

YOUTH THRIVE CENTER | San Antonio, TX

MISSION:

To provide LGBTQ+ homeless young adults with a safe and supportive environment to facilitate their empowerment toward transforming their lives.

VISION:

To create an equitable community where all LGBTQ+ young adults can flourish.

IMPACT:

Since opening in 2015, Thrive has served more than 250 young adults and housed 100 youth
Thrive’s Street Outreach team has had 141 meaningful encounters with young adults, leading to 49 youth entering shelter
29 Thrive youth have obtained a GED or High School Diploma
11 transgender young adults have obtained a legal name and gender-marker change
50 youth who were unemployed when entering housing with Thrive have gained meaningful employment

PROJECTS:

Emergency Shelter: Thrive’s emergency shelter, which provides 10 young adults with shelter for up to 6 months, includes not only basic needs of food and shelter, but individually tailored and youth-directed case management plans to help young adults move forward in exiting homelessness.
Street Outreach: Outreach staff meet youth on the streets and provide outreach bags, crisis counseling, resources to meet basic needs, and referrals to services. Additionally, outreach workers locate potential victims of human trafficking, build relationships, and provide information so homeless youth know where they can access safety and services.
Rapid Rehousing: Thrive Youth Center’s housing program is funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development and allows us to house 45 young adults each year in apartments of their choosing throughout the San Antonio area.