Dear Community,

 

Since before 2017, Full Spectrum Community Outreach has been working toward the goal of opening the Mahoning Valley’s first-ever LGBTQIA+ adult homeless shelter. Research consistently shows that LGBTQIA+ adults face a much higher risk of homelessness than the general population.

 

In 2023, we purchased the Hope House Visitation Center with the vision of creating a 60-day transitional shelter. While that remains our long-term goal, the urgent needs of our community have shifted our immediate focus. 

 

Right now, many of our clients are unhoused and unable to access local shelters simply because they are LGBTQIA+. To respond to this crisis, we are preparing to open a 1–2 day emergency housing shelter, alongside our plans for a 60-day transitional shelter in the future. This phased approach will allow us to begin serving clients sooner, with plans to expand as resources grow.

 

In this new emergency shelter, clients will have access to:

    •    Case management

    •    Referrals to vital services

    •    Classes and support groups

    •    Mental health counseling and therapy through our partners at Natura Behavioral Health

 

Our goal is to open this shelter in early winter 2026, with admission by referral only.

 

This project represents one of the most impactful steps Full Spectrum has ever taken, and we believe it will be a true game-changer for the Mahoning Valley.

 

We invite you to be part of this life-changing effort by donating at:

http://www.fullspectrumcommunityoutreach.org/donate

 

Full Spectrum Community Outreach remains deeply committed to strengthening and supporting the LGBTQIA+ population in our community. Together, we can make this vision a reality.

 

With gratitude,

 

BCC Full Spectrum Community Outreach Foundation, Corporation - Executive Board