Developing Marsha and Marian’s Neighbors: A Shared Housing Intervention to Address Homelessness among LGBTQ+ and Pregnant/Parenting Youth

Background: The aim of this paper is to describe the development a shared housing model intervention that was designed serve youth experiencing homelessness who are LGBTQ+ and/or pregnant/parenting. built around two guiding philosophies: first and restorative justice. Methods: We engaged in year-long planning process with an advisory group from 1 July 2021 through 30 June 2022. partnership between Virginia Commonwealth University School Social Work, seven young people lived experience expertise, members four partner organizations, including local organizations serving youth. Results: Marsha Marian’s Neighbors provide safe, comfortable for 12 months 20 their children if they have any. Participants will live apartments where rent utilities paid by program all participants. also provides money arrears may prevent participants being able secure lease, mental health appointments, legal consultations, doula services provided partners recruited team. Services staff affirming pregnant parenting affirming. Conclusion: One most important lessons we learned power developing values novel focused supports both identify as remains necessary. Paradoxically, people, particularly bisexual, lesbian, queer cisgender women, at equal or greater risk unplanned pregnancy. Both groups vulnerable instability independently, those intersection pregnant/parenting face elevated instability.