Nowhere to go San Jose sweep leaves homeless LGBTQ community stranded

San Jose plans to sweep its largest homeless encampment, leaving many LGBTQ+ individuals without safe shelter options. Diva, a transgender woman, and Robert, a fellow resident, describe the dangers they face at Columbus Park, where harassment from non-LGBTQ+ individuals is frequent. The only LGBTQ+ specific shelter in Santa Clara County, New Haven Inn, has a waitlist of 30 people, while many homeless individuals lack phones to receive shelter referrals. Advocates like Gabrielle Antolovich stress the necessity for diverse shelter options to cater to varying needs within the LGBTQ+ community. Kathryn Kaminski, acting director of the Santa Clara County Office of Supportive Housing, stated that the county trains nonprofit providers to support LGBTQ+ residents.

However, Diva and Robert express concerns that the current policies may label them as "housing resistant" if they refuse shelter services. This labeling could lead to increased scrutiny and potential legal issues for individuals simply seeking safe living conditions. The plight of the LGBTQ+ homeless community underscores the urgent need for more inclusive and accessible shelter resources.