Hollywood Popular Artists

Dec 17th 2012, 21:48

I have a home. I have a bed. I have a family who accepts me.

I am lucky.

Some people are not.

This year, all the Ali Forney Center wants for Christmas is to keep homeless LGBTQ youths off the streets of New York City. For the past ten years, the Ali Forney Center (AFC) has offered emergency and transitional housing and support to the LGBTQ youth community in New York City.

Weeks ago, Hurricane Sandy destroyed the AFC's drop-in center. Although the AFC has already raised the $400,000 needed to replace what was lost and move to a new space, the organization needs our help to meet a new goal: to keep the drop-in center open 24 hours a day.

"Every day youths come to us heartbroken and terrified after being driven from their homes. And every day we are forced to turn many of these youths into the streets because there are far too few shelter beds available. It is terrible to see kids cry when they realize they will have to spend the night in the streets," explains Carl Siciliano of AFC. The center has also lost federal funding for 21 of their shelter beds.

The AFC is the nation's largest and most comprehensive organization dedicated to homeless LGBTQ youth, so it's critical that the AFC is able to keep doing this important work. Here's how you can get involved:

+Gift Cards

Getting a gift card this Christmas? Why not save it and send it to the AFC instead? You'll earn some bonus karma points and help a homeless youth at the same time. The AFC accepts McDonalds, Starbucks, Old Navy and iTunes gift cards in $10 denominations.

+Donations

Donate a new pair of hats, gloves, scarves, socks or school supplies. Please note these items must be new as the AFC cannot accept used clothing. If you have an influx of cash this holiday season, consider donating directly to the AFC.  Your donation is cash deductible.

+Volunteer

In the NYC area? Find out how you can volunteer here. You can help serve meals, work on special events and workshops.

Take action for the Ali Forney Center below!

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