Gay Youth Home Planned in Montgomery County

The Blade reports on discussions about what could be Maryland’s “first residential home for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth.” A similar home, The Wanda Alston House, opened in D.C. last July. Writes Amy Cavanaugh:

Led by Hearts & Homes for Youth, a group that provides services to youth who are abused, neglected or homeless, the discussions remain preliminary, but Rex Smith, the organization’s president, said he’s already identified locations in Rockville or Gaithersburg for the home.

“We believe there’s a need here,” he said. “So we need to figure out a way, even in these hard times, that we can save a few lives.”

Smith said plans for the home began when Hearts & Homes sought to find foster parents who were willing to take in gay youth for their foster program, which currently has about 30 youth.

Tags: Amy Cavanaugh, gay, GLBT, Rex Smith, transitional home, Washington Blade