Unity House, the first group home dedicated to LGBTQ+ youth in the state, opened earlier this month in Keene, New Hampshire. It was created by Boston-based nonprofit The Home for Little Wanders, which designed the first-of-its-kind-in-the-nation Waltham House in Waltham, Massachusetts back in 2002. Unity House was contracted by the New Hampshire Division of Children, Youth and Families.
Reports the Keene Sentinel:
The Unity House will provide a safe and supportive living environment for up to eight youths, ages 12 to 19, who identify as LGBTQ+ and are in the custody of the N.H. Division for Children, Youth and Families (DCYF), per the news release.
The group home will operate on a community-based model, with 18 staff members helping prepare residents for reunification with their families, transitioning to foster care or preparing for independent living, according to the news release.
[Home for Little Wanderers Vice President of Community Relations Matthew] McCall said Unity is different from other group homes in the state because staff members will provide clinical treatment specific for LGBTQ+ populations, such as gender-affirming cognitive behavioral therapy.
“These kids, they may have gone through abuse and neglect, and that may or may not have been related to their gender identity or sexual orientation,” he said. “Our clinical staff will have lived experience or have experience working with LGBTQ+ populations.”
Unity House residents will attend area schools and have access to opportunities for community-building, such as participating in service projects, sports and social groups.
The home receives funding from DCYF, which will pay the organization roughly $480 per resident, per day spent in the home, according to McCall.
One of the main reasons The Home sought out Keene as a location for the group home was because of the community.
“As much as the clinical stuff is vital and important for their recovery, being seen and feeling a part of the community means so much to them,” McCall said. “Keene has been incredibly welcoming and supportive. Keene Pride has been phenomenal with us.”
The Unity House welcomes members of the community to provide additional support for residents. This not only includes donations to The Home, but programming and mentorship for youths staying at Unity House. Those interested can reach Unity House staff at unityhousegetinvolved@thehome.org.
Read the complete Keene Sentinel story here.
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