20 Celebs Who Quietly Fund LGBTQ+ Youth Shelters

Homelessness disproportionately affects LGBTQ+ youth due to high rates of family rejection and systemic discrimination. Many celebrities have recognized this crisis and stepped up to bridge the funding gap for shelters and resource centers. These public figures use their wealth and influence to provide beds and safety for vulnerable teenagers who have nowhere else to go. The following list highlights stars who have made significant financial contributions to this vital cause.

Bea Arthur

The Golden Girls actress left a significant legacy by providing funding for the Ali Forney Center in New York City. Her estate donated funds that helped stabilize the organization during a difficult financial period. The center named one of their housing facilities The Bea Arthur Residence in her honor. She had previously performed a benefit show to raise money specifically for the homeless LGBTQ youth population.

Miley Cyrus

Cyrus founded the Happy Hippie Foundation to rally young people to fight injustice facing homeless youth. The organization focuses heavily on LGBTQ youth who make up a large percentage of the homeless population. She has used her platform to launch digital campaigns that directly fund support groups and shelters. Her work ensures that vulnerable populations receive meals and safe housing.

Cyndi Lauper

The singer co-founded True Colors United to implement innovative solutions to youth homelessness. Her organization focuses on systemic change to prevent LGBTQ youth from ending up on the streets. Lauper frequently testifies before Congress to secure funding for these vital housing programs. She organizes an annual benefit concert where all proceeds go toward ending the cycle of homelessness.

George Michael

The late singer was known for making anonymous donations to various charities including the Albert Kennedy Trust. His philanthropic efforts for LGBTQ youth shelters were often kept private during his lifetime. Trust representatives revealed after his passing that he had supported their work for many years. These funds helped provide safe homes and mentoring for young people living in hostile environments.

Sia

This songwriter made headlines when she quietly donated a large sum to the Los Angeles LGBT Center. She approached the organization to offer her support for their youth center without seeking media attention. Her contribution helped fund services that provide meals and hygiene products to homeless youth. The donation allowed the center to expand its reach to more individuals in need.

Madonna

The pop icon has visited the Ali Forney Center to spend holidays with homeless LGBTQ youth. She has contributed financially to the organization to ensure they can maintain their shelter beds. Her involvement often brings much needed attention to the plight of displaced queer youth in urban areas. She encourages her fanbase to donate and support these community safety nets.

Ryan Reynolds

Reynolds regularly donates to Covenant House which provides housing and support services to youth facing homelessness. His contributions help the organization offer crisis care and long-term support to vulnerable young people. He uses his social media presence to encourage others to learn about the mission of the shelter. The actor focuses his philanthropy on ensuring marginalized youth have a safe place to sleep.

Halsey

The singer is a vocal supporter of My Friend’s Place which acts as a drop-in resource center for homeless youth in Los Angeles. She provides financial assistance and supplies to help the organization run its daily operations. Halsey often speaks about her personal connection to the struggles of finding stability as a young artist. Her efforts help provide creative arts programming alongside basic survival services.

Jamie Lee Curtis

Curtis is a long-standing supporter of the Los Angeles LGBT Center and its various housing initiatives. She has purchased the naming rights to specific rooms within the facility to fund their construction. Her advocacy focuses on providing seniors and youth with dignity and safe environments. The actress actively participates in fundraising galas to maintain the operational budget of the center.

Sam Smith

Smith serves as a patron for the Albert Kennedy Trust which supports LGBTQ youth facing homelessness in the United Kingdom. They have helped raise significant funds to expand the reach of the organization into new cities. The singer utilizes their global tours to spread awareness about the issue of familial rejection. Their support facilitates emergency accommodation for young people escaping abusive homes.

Ariana Grande

Grande launched the Protect & Defend Trans Youth Fund to support organizations providing direct services. The initiative distributes money to various groups that offer housing and legal assistance. She pledged to match donations up to a significant amount to maximize the impact. Her fundraising empowers grassroots centers that operate on slim budgets.

Jane Fonda

Fonda has spent decades advocating for the Los Angeles LGBT Center and its expansion projects. She donates her time and personal funds to ensure the center can house homeless youth. Her activism includes hosting events that connect wealthy donors with shelter administrators. She emphasizes the importance of intergenerational support within the community.

Dan Reynolds

The Imagine Dragons frontman founded the LOVELOUD Festival to raise money for LGBTQ organizations. Proceeds from the event benefit groups like the Tegan and Sara Foundation and the Encircle home. These organizations provide safe spaces and therapy for youth in conservative areas. His work aims to reduce suicide rates and homelessness among rejected queer teenagers.

Katy Perry

Perry has been recognized for her significant contributions to the Los Angeles LGBT Center. Her donations have helped fund the Anita May Rosenstein Campus which offers youth housing. She auctions off experiences and memorabilia to generate revenue for the shelter’s programs. The singer frequently visits the facility to meet with the staff and the youth they serve.

Lady Gaga

Gaga founded the Born This Way Foundation to support the mental wellness of young people. She partners with local shelters during her tours to provide resources and financial grants. Her organization conducts research to better understand the needs of LGBTQ youth in crisis. She works to create a kinder world where young people have access to safe community spaces.

Neil Patrick Harris

Harris serves as a mentor and major donor for the Los Angeles LGBT Center. He frequently hosts charity events that raise millions for the organization’s housing services. The actor provides food service during holidays to ensure homeless youth have a warm meal. His financial support helps maintain the health clinic and social services department.

Charlize Theron

The actress manages the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project which supports community-based organizations. Her foundation funds groups that provide safe havens and health services to LGBTQ youth. She focuses on regions where young people face extreme discrimination and lack of housing. Her grants allow local leaders to build sustainable shelter programs.

Lizzo

Lizzo engages in an annual giving campaign that directs funds to black-led LGBTQ organizations. She specifically targets groups that offer housing and bail funds for trans women and youth. Her financial support helps keep the lights on for small shelters that receive little government funding. She uses her platform to educate fans on the intersection of racial justice and housing security.

Elliot Page

Page directs much of his philanthropy toward shelters that specifically cater to transgender youth. He highlights the desperate need for safe housing for trans individuals who are disproportionately affected by homelessness. His contributions support legal defense funds and emergency housing grants. The actor consistently amplifies the voices of activists working on the front lines of shelter care.

Blake Lively

Lively joins her husband in supporting Covenant House and their mission to end youth homelessness. She has made substantial donations to help the organization provide medical attention and job training. Her involvement includes spending time with the residents to hear their stories personally. The actress advocates for the protection of trafficked and exploited youth through her charitable giving.

Please share your thoughts on which celebrity contribution surprised you the most in the comments.