Lost-n-Foud Youth was started by a group of activists in Atlanta. They were attempting to find housing at local shelters for queer youth in our community. Often these young people are displaced from their homes and families when they come out or if they contract HIV/AIDS. These are our young people. Lost-n-Found was created out of this need in 2011. They established a privately funded emergency shelter and the organization has grown to be a much-needed resource. Executive Director Melanea Alvarez joins us to speak about her organization and their participation in the 33RD Annual AIDS WALK and Music Festival on Saturday, September 28th.
Alvarez shares the history of the organization which started 14 years ago. She speaks about the outreach to young people between the ages of 18 - 25 years old. She speaks about their learning curve which started with a large space to shelter those in need. The organization now uses properties that are group homes for young people.
They initiated a 90-day housing model that allows them to dissect the challenges being faced that include economic, housing, work force training life skills and more. The organization will be one of the nonprofits that will benefit from the proceeds of the Annual AIDS Walk. Alvarez speaks about the challenges the young people face with out familial support.
She also speaks about one of their main fundraisers a The Lost n Found Thrift Store located at 2585 Chantilly Drive, NE. This serves as a training ground for young people as well as way to garner funds to support the organization.
For more information on Lost n Found Youth
For more information on the 33rd Annual AIDS Walk and Music Festivals