Proud Haven
Our MissionLGBTQIA+ youth need and deserve their own shelter.
Deeply troubling national statistics have found that 40% of youth experiencing homelessness identify as LGBTQIA+. Available data suggests that conditions are similar in the Pittsburgh region.
Many traditional service providers cannot or will not provide physical and emotional safety, support and resources for their sexual and gender identities, and the encouragement they need to reach their full potential as independent, confident adults.
Identity-based family rejection is the most common reason these youth become homeless. Even if their family is supportive, youth may face harassment and violence at school or in their neighborhood that's so severe that they would rather leave home than spend another day in fear. Once they leave home, youth are subject to all the indignities of being unstably housed, including devastating health and psychological consequences, hunger, and the disruption of their education.
Proud Haven's mission is to provide a safe shelter for LGBTQIA+ youth (ages 18-25) experiencing homelessness in Pittsburgh. We also provide emotional support and resources to help LGBTQIA+ youth develop the skills needed to live independently.
Our Vision
As a response to a national and local crisis Proud Haven Inc. was first conceived in 2012, incorporated in Pennsylvania in April 2013 and received IRS approval as a 501(c)(3) in September 2014. A full board began work in November 2015. We opened our office at 5132 Butler St, Pittsburgh, PA 15201 in March, 2017. We are currently located at 525 E. Ohio St, Pittsburgh, PA 15212.
Proud Haven will be the first overnight shelter of its kind in Pittsburgh and the surrounding area. We are in the process of raising funds and locating resources to open and sustain our shelter in Pittsburgh.
Our current offerings for clients can be found here.
What is Proud Haven?
Our Progress
Our Story
We will be a leading resource for shelter and support services that improve the quality of life for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual and beyond (LGBTQIA+) youth who are experiencing homelessness as well as an advocate for the LGBTQIA+ population as a whole.
A Place To Be Home