I need shelter tonight
If you have no place to stay or are homeless, contact Coordinated Intake to complete an assessment to receive a shelter referral. The Coordinated Intake Specialist will ask every caller if they want to participate in LGBTQI+ shelter diversion and case management services.
I am at risk of homelessness
If you are worried about becoming homeless, contact our LGBTQI+ Specialist. The Specialist will explore your housing challenges and work with you to identify solutions. Please remember to leave your number in the email or voicemail for our specialist to reach you.
Safety For Those We Serve
We recognize that those who experience homelessness and identify as LGBTQI+ may have extensive histories of trauma. As part of a trauma-informed agency, our staff is committed to providing services that center client voice and choice and are sensitive to the trauma experienced by those we serve.
This program provides free, non-judgmental, and confidential services. FrontLine is committed to providing Safe Space training and education for all staff, thereby creating an inclusive and affirming culture to support LGBTQI+ individuals. Staff also participate in annual training in Diversity Equity and Inclusion and trauma-informed care.
If you are concerned about discrimination in the shelter, the LGBTQI+ Diversion Specialist can support you to file a grievance. Please contact the Diversion Specialist at: LGBTQI@frontlineservice.org
About LGBTQI+ Shelter Diversion
Individuals who identify as LGBTQI+ are over-represented among those who experience homelessness. The Williams Institute at UCLA reports that sexual minority adults are more than twice as likely to experience homelessness as cisgender, straight adults. Among transgender adults, the rate of homelessness increases to three times that of the cisgender, straight population. These individuals are more vulnerable to higher rates of prejudice, hate, and violence than cisgender, straight adults.
Beginning in January 2022, FrontLine Service launched a specialized shelter diversion and case management program for individuals who identify as LGBTQI+ and are homeless or at risk of homelessness. This program is modeled after similar programs that have reduced homelessness among veterans and families in Cuyahoga County. The LGBTQI+ Shelter Diversion program works in concert with the shelter diversion and case management services FrontLine provides through Coordinated Intake.
The LGBTQI+ Diversion program will reduce homelessness among those who identify as LGBTQI+, thereby reducing trauma. This program also represents the first time data is captured to track the percentage of our community who experience homelessness and also identify as LGBTQI+. This information will be used to advocate for more resources to address this need.
What to Expect
Step 1: Contact Coordinated Intake
If you are experiencing homelessness, your first step is to contact Coordinated Intake at 216-674-6700. Coordinated Intake is the front door for Cuyahoga County’s shelter system. The Coordinated Intake Specialist will collect basic information about you and your housing situation. They will also talk with you to help identify a safe alternative to entering shelter. This conversation takes about 20 minutes.
If you identify as LGBTQI+, the Coordinated Intake Specialist will refer you to the LGBTQI+ Diversion Specialist. (It is your decision whether to share this information.)
Step 2: Referral to LGBTQI+ Diversion Specialist
If you choose to participate in LGBTQI+ services, your name and preferred contact method will be shared with the LGBTQI+ Diversion Specialist, who will follow up with you.
The LGBTQI+ Diversion Specialist will provide compassionate, affirming support. Their goal is to look closely at your housing barriers, help you identify safe alternatives to shelter, and connect you to resources that will prevent a return to homelessness. They may ask you to talk through some of the same information you shared with Coordinated Intake, but they have additional tools and resources to help you address your housing barriers.
The LGBTQI+ Diversion Specialist can:
Support you in identifying safe, permanent housing options
Discuss transportation and employment barriers
Address safety concerns
Mediate conflict and assist with difficult conversations
Advocate on your behalf
A Note About Data Collection
The LGBTQI+ Diversion Specialist will walk you through a questionnaire that includes some personal questions, including pronouns, gender, and sexual orientation. The information you provide is confidential and completely voluntary. You may skip any question you do not wish to answer. We collect this information for two reasons. First, we want to help you find a safe alternative to shelter that is affirming of your sexual orientation and/or gender identity. Second, we are creating the first county-wide, de-identified data report of individuals who experience homelessness and identify as LGBTQI+. This information helps service providers understand the unique needs of the community and can lead to funding to properly support those in the LGBTQI+ community who are affected by homelessness.
