"Our shelter is always full. What we see is that the young people we serve need someone to walk side by side with them, connect them to resources, and set some goals. It's about giving them a pathway. We're always building youth up to walk that path." Bonita Campbell, Vice President of Homeless Youth Services.

Bonita Campbell says, on any given day, about 40% of those staying in the Lighthouse Youth Shelter where she works identify as LGBTQ+. When asked why she thought that was, Campbell said, "Because of our society, because families really struggle to accept their young people as LGBTQ+. For that reason, Lighthouse is very intentional about creating an environment that is welcoming to all.

“That’s the lowest I’ve ever been,” said Walker, who is now 23. “I thought about it for a second, and I said, you know, I’m very independent. And I am independently bringing myself to a homeless shelter so I feel like I could get a lot of help.” That is exactly what happened.

Take a look at the official Lighthouse newsletter and catch up on the latest ways you're helping making a difference for young people and families.

Now in its third year, the work of ending youth homelessness in Hamilton County through the KEYS to a Future Without Youth Homelessness (KEYS) is moving forward, making progress, and adapting to meet young people’s needs.

"Advocates, including Lighthouse, see a troubling trend aggravated by the pandemic: an avalanche of need for youth homelessness services." Read why Lighthouse COO Jodi Harding remains confident that together we can end youth homelessness, despite the many challenges.

Good news! You can once again volunteer in-person at Lighthouse! With a safety-first mindset, Lighthouse is ready to welcome you, and our team and youth can’t wait to see you. There are a few new guidelines.

Since the pandemic started, the teen population Lighthouse works with has been elusive."We don't know that they're safe. We don't know what activities they may be involved in that are making them more vulnerable to unsafe practices and criminal practices."