A new group home for LGBTQIA+ youth opened its doors this past week in Keene.
The Unity House, a group housing project affiliated with the at-risk child advocacy organization “The Home for Little Wanderers”, will be the first of its kind to operate in New Hampshire by providing housing and counseling services for at-risk LGBTQIA+ youth between 14 to 18, according to its website.
However, according to a press release from the organization ages 12 to 19 are eligible.
The group home is based on the success of “The Home for Little Wanderers” group home in Waltham, MA, and has the capacity to house up to eight residents.
During a press event on March 28, Vice President of Community Services and Licensed Community Social Worker Matthew McCall gave a tour of the group home and said the Unity House will provide a safe and supportive space for incoming children to grow and flourish. Mental health services that specialize in the nuances of LGBTQIA+ children’s needs are a focus of the group home, according to McCall.
“There’s been a lack of clinical services in general in New Hampshire, especially with our LGBTQIA+ population. The statistics on young people, especially transgender kids, are pretty dismal. The lack of providers who can give gender affirming care is part of the problem, and we’re very excited to fill that gap. I hope we’ll live to see the day when the work we do is no longer necessary. Until then, we’ll do what we can to be the advocates these children need.” said McCall.
McCall said preparing children for a self-sufficient and healthy life is critical to the group home’s mission.
“We work with these kids to foster independence. It’s not uncommon for someone to come to us, having never cooked more than boxed mac and cheese. We teach them how to cook in our kitchen. We teach them to do laundry, and we give them chores to complete. That’s how we give opportunities to learn self-sufficiency and crucial life skills,” said McCall.
KSC Coordinator of LGBTQIA+ Student Support and Programming Ian Kaplan is the Youth Advisor for Keene Pride, a community-based organization that supports the LGBTQIA+ community in Keene. Kaplan said Keene Pride plans to organize activities and events for the Unity House’s incoming children.
“Once the house is up and running, we’re planning on organizing a game night once a month,” said Kaplan.
Kaplan said that affirming the presence of community love and support is important.
“I think one of the most important things to get across to kids is that they are loved and supported unconditionally. I think the Unity House will be a place that does that, and tells students that they are amazing just the way they are, and gives them the chance to be a part of a larger supportive community,” Kaplan added.
Due to safety concerns, The Equinox was asked not to disclose the location of the group home. Anyone who’s interested in supporting “The Unity House” through donations or volunteering is encouraged to contact “The Home for Little Wanderers” via their website at www.thehome.org
Ryan Pacheco can be contacted at
rpacheco@kscequinox.com
In a previous version of this article, it states youth ages 14 to 18 were eligible however, ages 12 to 19 are eligible per a press release from the organization. Additionally, Matthew McCall’s name and the organization’s name were misspelled. This article has since been updated with the house being opened. Previous Equinox reporting stated the home was not open yet. The Equinox Apologizes for these errors.
