COVID-19 has presented SMYAL with both challenges and opportunities. It continues to operate its supervised supportive housing program – hygiene and social distancing protocols in place – for 26 LGBTQ youth. Other programs have shifted to virtual platforms, allowing SMYAL to expand its reach and empower LGBTQ youth from across the region and country, many of whom come from homes that are not supportive of who they are. A national conference for queer and trans youth, daily topic-oriented chat rooms and drop-in programs connect youth with their peers and build community. A Youth Care Navigation Hotline helps them identify food, mental, sexual, and health resources during COVID-19. A Little SMYAL's program provides culturally- and age-appropriate programming for youth ages 6-12. Facebook live discussion panels with other youth-serving professionals from across the country mean sharing best practices on serving youth – during very uncertain times.
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