Time Out Youth Announces $200,000 in Direct Support for LGBTQ+ Youth in 2026

PRESS RELEASE: Time Out Youth is proud to announce that in 2026, the organization will provide more than $200,000 in direct financial assistance to youth across the Charlotte region. These funds will help young people access safe housing, meet urgent needs, and move toward greater stability and independence.

This support is made possible through the THAP-IN program from Point Source Youth in partnership with the Leon Levine Foundation, and Emergency Solutions Grant funding from the City of Charlotte. Together, these investments strengthen Time Out Youth’s ability to stand alongside young people during moments that can shape their lives.

This investment is part of a growing national effort to prevent and reduce youth homelessness by putting flexible resources directly in the hands of young people — fast, with dignity, and paired with the support they choose.

For many youth experiencing housing instability, the difference between stability and crisis often comes down to something small. A security deposit. A car repair was needed to keep a job. Help with rent during a difficult month. Direct financial assistance allows Time Out Youth to respond quickly and compassionately, helping young people stay safe, housed, and connected to opportunity.

“At Time Out Youth, we see every day how resilient and determined our young people are,” said Shaq Clarke, Chief Program Officer at Time Out Youth. “But resilience should not mean doing everything alone. When we step in with real support at the right moment, it can completely change a young person’s path. These resources allow us to show our youth that their community believes in them.”

The need for housing support continues to grow, with more LGBTQ+ youth turning to Time Out Youth for safety, affirmation, and the resources needed to rebuild their lives.

“Our community has always believed that LGBTQ+ youth deserve more than survival,” said Sarah Mikhail, Chief Executive Officer of Time Out Youth. “They deserve safety, opportunity, and the chance to dream about their future. These funds represent more than financial assistance. They represent a community that is willing to show up for young people and invest in who they will become.”

Time Out Youth expressed deep gratitude to the partners and community supporters whose investments make this work possible.

Most systems wait until a young person is already homeless to help,” said Larry Cohen, co-founder and executive director of Point Source Youth. “With Time Out Youth, we’re intervening earlier —pairing direct cash with tailored support to keep 50 young people housed and out of the shelter system. Now more than ever, we need solutions that work, that put power and resources in the hands of young people, and that cost-effectively prevent homelessness.”

Through this expanded support, hundreds of youth in the Charlotte area will have access to emergency financial assistance, housing stabilization resources, and a stronger foundation for the future.

About Time Out Youth

Founded in 1991, Time Out Youth has spent 35 years supporting LGBTQ+ young people across the Charlotte region. What began as a small effort to create a safe and affirming space for youth has grown into one of the region’s leading organizations dedicated to the well-being of LGBTQ+ youth ages 13 to 24.

Today, Time Out Youth provides a wide range of services, including clinical mental health support, housing assistance, leadership development, and a vibrant drop-in center where young people can find community and belonging. Each year, thousands of youth turn to Time Out Youth for safety, connection, and support as they navigate some of the most formative years of their lives.

At its core, Time Out Youth exists to ensure that every LGBTQ+ young person is seen, supported, and given the opportunity to thrive. Through direct services, partnerships, and community engagement, the organization continues to work toward a Charlotte where all young people can live with dignity, stability, and hope for the future.

For more information about Time Out Youth, or to inquire about services and supports, community members are encouraged to visit www.timeoutyouth.org, or contact the center at (704) 344-8335.

About Point Source Youth

Point Source Youth is a national organization working to prevent and end youth homelessness in the U.S. Point Source Youth provides thought leadership, advocacy, technical assistance, and evaluation to scale proven interventions that can cost-effectively prevent youth homelessness in the first place or provide young people with the resources they need for stable housing if they are experiencing homelessness. After 10 years of work in the field, Targeted Housing Assistance and Direct Cash Transfers, both with youth-directed support, are the interventions that are cost-effective, scalable, and work. To learn more, visit pointsourceyouth.org.

For interviews or media requests, please contact David Samson, Chief Operating Officer at Time Out Youth at dsamson@timeoutyouth.org or 704-344-8335 ext. 612.