The Sunshine Pride House officially opened its doors on January 1 this year to provide sanctuary for unhoused LGBTQ+ young adults, offering shelter, counseling, education, and life skills. Sunshine Cathedral, SunServe, and the FLITE Center, alongside two donors and The Our Fund Foundation, spearheaded this initiative. LGBTQ+ youth, comprising only 7% of the U.S. youth population, represent 40% of unhoused youth, facing disproportionate levels of hardship. Black LGBTQ+ youth, especially young Black men, experience heightened housing instability. With the collaborative efforts of philanthropic individuals like Michael Kalb and Terry Merlin and organizations, The Sunshine Pride House was formed in Fort Lauderdale. It is a duplex, offering accommodation for up to 12 LGBTQ+ young adults, a crucial step forward in addressing this pressing issue. The Sunshine Pride House, now under the ownership of the Sunshine Cathedral, benefits from over 50 years of property management expertise. FLITE Center specializes in providing comprehensive services to unhoused youth, emphasizing their transition into independent adulthood. According to Christine Frederick, CEO of FLITE Center, "The program serves as a model for current straight and mixed housing facilities, with a strong emphasis on compassion and cultural competency." The Sunshine Pride House is a huge step taken in the right direction at the right time, considering the difficulties LGBTQ+ youth are facing today due to the turbulent political environment of Florida and the country. For more information or to make a donation, visit theourfund.org #Students & Youth Culture