Erica Aguirre

Thrive Youth Center provides 78% of LGBTQ+ Emergency Shelter Beds in Texas, operating 20 emergency shelter beds, 50 apartments, and wraparound services to support the young adults entering our program. In our most recent fiscal year, we served 472 youth, provided 19,623 nights of emergency shelter, and delivered 14,051 supportive services to help youth achieve stability and independence.

Housing insecurity among LGBTQ+ youth at Thrive stems from many factors. Some are pushed out of their homes when they come out, while others age out of foster care without resources or support. Nationally, the Trevor Project estimates that 28% of LGBTQ+ youth have experienced homelessness or housing instability at some point in their lives. Additionally, 16% of LGBTQ+ youth report running away from home, with more than half (55%) citing mistreatment or fear of mistreatment due to their LGBTQ+ identity as the reason.

Our programs are especially important to youth like Bella, a determined young adult who has flourished since arriving at Thrive. From the moment she joined us, Bella prioritized her healing and growth. She focused on her mental health, earned her high school diploma, began her college journey, and has now moved into her very first apartment, a huge milestone on her journey to independence.

Bella reflected that a safe, affirming place to stay gave her the stability she needed to pursue her goals. With support, she’s created a foundation for a future full of opportunity, learning, and self-sufficiency.

Bella’s story is one of resilience, the importance of community, and success, and it’s only possible because of supporters like you. Every contribution helps provide a safe and supportive environment for LGBTQ youth facing homelessness and instability. Your support ensures more young people like Bella have the resources they need to rebuild their lives and thrive.

Our team’s goal for the Big Give is $30,000. Your gift makes an immediate impact, helping LGBTQ+ young adults access safe housing, supportive services, and the chance to step confidently into their future.

Who We Are

Our mission is to provide a safe and supportive center for homeless LGBTQ youth, so they can become productive, skilled, educated, and successful adults with the opportunity to achieve their dreams.