The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, is launching a partnership with organizations and companies in nine U.S. cities to serve LGBT homeless youth for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service.
Officially recognised on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (January 21st), MLK Day of Service is the only federal holiday observed as a national day of service – a “day on, not a day off.” Its purpose is to empower individuals and communities to bridge barriers and address social problems. As the only national LGBT organisation participating in this day of service, HRC is leveraging its over 1 million members and supporters across the country to support an under-served segment of the LGBT community – LGBT homeless youth. While LGBT people make up 3% to 5% of the U.S. population by Census measures, LGBT youth make up 40% of homeless and at-risk youth, a majority of whom are Latino or African American.
“HRC is proud to be a national partner for MLK Day of Service,” said Cuc Vu, HRC Chief Diversity Officer. “Through the service projects that we’ve organised in partnership with local agencies to support LGBT homeless youth, we’re putting our diversity and inclusion values to work to make a difference in the community.”
HRC is partnering with health and human service providers in nine cities to organise donation drives of items that LGBT homeless youth need and to engage our members and the broader community as volunteers. Altogether, these service providers help approximately 33,000 LGBT homeless youth each year. They are Lifeworks (Austin), the Montrose Center (Houston), the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center (Los Angeles), Covenant House (New Orleans), the Hetrick-Martin Institute (New York City), one n ten (Phoenix), SMYRC and Q Center (Portland), Larkin Street Youth Services (San Francisco), and Transgender Health Empowerment’s Wanda Alston House (Washington, D.C.).
HRC’s corporate supporters have responded to the call to service. On a national level, FedEx and Fannie Mae are engaging their employee resource groups to lead donation drives and volunteer recruitment. This is in addition to companies and non-profit organizations that are also leading donation drives and volunteer recruitment on a local level.
For more information visit www.hrc.org/mlkdayofservice, or follow these events on Twitter at #DayofService.
MLK Day of Service in Austin
HRC and LifeWorks are accepting the following items for the MLK Day of Service donation drive:
- New and unopened travel-sized toiletries including toothbrush, toothpaste, soap/body wash, shampoo, conditioner, brush/comb, body lotion, deodorant, lip balm, disposable razors, shaving cream, foot powder, and sunscreen
- Clothing items including tube socks and solid-coloured t-shirts
From now through January 21st, these items can be dropped off at the following dates and location:
WHAT: MLK Day of Service Donation Drive for LGBT Homeless Youth in Austin
WHEN: From Now through Monday, January 21
Monday – Thursday | 8:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Friday | 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday | 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Last day to donate: Monday, January 21 | 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
WHERE: LifeWorks, 3700 South 1st Street, Austin, TX 78704
WHO: Human Rights Campaign and LifeWorks
On January 21st, volunteers will be needed to assemble donated items into care bags. Volunteer training and orientation, food, and beverages will be provided.
WHAT: MLK Day of Service Assembly of Care Bags for LGBT Homeless Youth in Austin
WHEN: Monday, January 21
1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
WHERE: LifeWorks, 3700 South 1st Street, Austin, TX 78704
WHO: Human Rights Campaign and LifeWorks
MLK Day of Service in Houston
From now through January 18th, HRC, the Montrose Center, and HATCH are accepting the following items for the MLK Day of Service donation drive:
- Unopened travel-sized toiletries including soaps, shampoos, toothbrushes, toothpaste, moisturiser, lip balm, deodorant, handwipes, tissues, disposable razors, feminine hygiene products, deodorant, brushes, and combs.
- Small but essential winter accessories such as beanies, gloves, scarves, etc. (No bulky items such as jackets or coats.)
- First-aid supplies such as band-aids, sanitising wipes or gel, and cough drops.
- New and unused reusable water bottles.
These items can be dropped off at the following dates and location:
WHAT: MLK Day of Service Donation Drive for LGBT Homeless Youth in Houston
WHEN: From Now through Friday, January 18
Monday – Friday | 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
WHERE: The Montrose Center, 401 Branard St., 2nd floor, Houston, TX 77006
WHO: Human Rights Campaign, the Montrose Center, and HATCH
On January 21st, volunteers will be needed to organise donated items into care bags. Volunteer training and orientation, food, and beverages will be provided.
WHAT: MLK Day of Service Assembly of Care Bags for LGBT Homeless Youth in Houston
WHEN: Monday, January 21
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
WHERE: The Montrose Center, 401 Branard St., 2nd floor, Houston, TX 77006
WHO: Human Rights Campaign, the Montrose Center, and HATCH
MLK Day of Service in Los Angeles
On January 19th and 20th, HRC and the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center are accepting the following items for the MLK Day of Service donation drive:
- New underwear and socks (both dress socks and white tube socks)
- Clean and unstained dress shirts for job interviews
- Belts
- Padfolios and messenger bags for job interviews
- Professional wigs for transgender female clients going on job interviews
- New and unused travel-sized toiletries such as shampoo, toothbrushes, shaving kits, soaps, and moisturisers
- Gift cards for big box stores
- New and unused reusable water bottles.
These items can be dropped off at the following dates and location. Volunteers will also be needed to organise these items. Volunteer training and orientation, food, and beverages will be provided.
WHAT: MLK Day of Service Donation Drive for LGBT Homeless Youth in Los Angeles
WHEN: Saturday, January 19th and Sunday, January 20th
12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
WHERE: L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center’s Youth Center on Highland
1220 N. Highland Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90038
WHO: Human Rights Campaign and the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center
MLK Day of Service in New Orleans
On February 14th and 15th, HRC and Covenant House are accepting the following items for the MLK Day of Service donation drive:
- Travel-sized toiletries including sanitising wipes/gels, perfume / body spray, make-up, and brushes/combs
- Writing and drawing supplies such journals, pencils, art pads, and sketch pads
- Small but essential clothing and winter accessories such as socks, warm hats, gloves, and scarves
- Backpacks
- Small electronics such as ear buds, flash drives, alarm clocks / radios, and AA and AAA batteries
- Gift cards for big box stores
- Snacks and candy
These items can be dropped off at the following dates and location:
WHAT: MLK Day of Service Donation Drive for LGBT Homeless Youth in New Orleans
WHEN: Thursday, February 14 and Friday, February 15
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
WHERE: Covenant House, 611 N. Rampart Street New Orleans, LA 70112
WHO: Human Rights Campaign and Covenant House
On February 15th, volunteers will be needed to organise donated items into care bags. Volunteer training and orientation, food, and beverages will be provided. Volunteers must be at least 22 years old.
WHAT: MLK Day of Service Assembly of Care Bags for LGBT Homeless Youth in New Orleans
WHEN: Friday, February 15
11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
WHERE: Covenant House, 611 N. Rampart Street New Orleans, LA 70112
WHO: Human Rights Campaign and Covenant House
MLK Day of Service in New York
On January 17th and 18th, HRC and HMI are accepting the following items for the MLK Day of Service donation drive:
- New and unopened travel-sized toiletries including soaps, shampoos, toothbrushes, toothpaste, moisturiser, lip balm, deodorant, handwipes, tissues, feminine hygiene products, brushes and combs
- New and unopened underwear and socks
These items can be dropped off at the following dates and location:
WHAT: MLK Day of Service Donation Drive for LGBT Homeless Youth in New York
WHEN: Thursday, January 17 and Friday, January 18
3:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
WHERE: Hetrick-Martin Institute, 2 Astor Place, New York, NY 10003
WHO: Human Rights Campaign and the Hetrick-Martin Institute
On January 23rd, volunteers will be needed to organize donated items into care bags. Volunteer training and orientation, food, and beverages will be provided.
WHAT: MLK Day of Service Assembly of Care Bags for LGBT Homeless Youth in New York
WHEN: Wednesday, January 23
3:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
WHERE: Hetrick-Martin Institute, 2 Astor Place, New York, NY 10003
WHO: Human Rights Campaign and the Hetrick-Martin Institute
MLK Day of Service in Phoenix
On January 21st, HRC and one n ten are accepting the following items for the MLK Day of Service donation drive:
- Unopened travel-sized toiletries including soaps, shampoos, toothbrushes, toothpaste, moisturizer, lip balm, deodorant, handwipes, tissues, disposable razors, feminine hygiene products, brushes and combs.
- Gift cards in denominations of $10 for a big-box store (for purchase of fitted items like bras).
- Basic necessities such as underwear, socks, t-shirts, etc. (All sizes needed. one n ten serves more boys than girls.)
- First-aid supplies such as band-aids, sanitising wipes or gel, and cough drops.
- Backpacks
These items can be dropped off at the following date and location. Volunteers will also be needed to organize these items. Volunteer training and orientation, food, and beverages will be provided.
WHAT: MLK Day of Service Donation Drive for LGBT Homeless Youth in Phoenix
WHEN: Monday, January 21
12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
WHERE: one n ten, 3660 N. 3rd St., Phoenix, AZ 85012
WHO: Human Rights Campaign and one n ten
MLK Day of Service in Portland
From now through January 21st, HRC, SMYRC, and Q Center are accepting the following items for the MLK Day of Service donation drive:
- Unopened travel-sized toiletries including soaps, shampoos, toothbrushes, toothpaste, moisturiser, lip balm, deodorant, handwipes, tissues, disposable razors, feminine hygiene products, deodorant, brushes, and combs.
- Small but essential winter accessories such as beanies, gloves, scarves, etc. (No bulky items such as jackets or coats.)
- First-aid supplies such as band-aids, sanitising wipes or gel, and cough drops.
- New and unused reusable water bottles.
These items can be dropped off at the following dates and location:
WHAT: MLK Day of Service Donation Drive for LGBT Homeless Youth in Portland
WHEN: From Now through Monday, January 21
Monday through Friday | 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday | 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday, January 21 | 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 Noon
WHERE: Q Center, 4115 N. Mississippi Ave., Portland, OR 97217
WHO: Human Rights Campaign, SMYRC, and Q Center
On January 21st, volunteers will be needed to organise donated items into care bags. Volunteer training and orientation, food, and beverages will be provided.
WHAT: MLK Day of Service Assembly of Care Bags for LGBT Homeless Youth in Portland
WHEN: From Now through Monday, January 21
8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
WHERE: Q Center, 4115 N. Mississippi Ave., Portland, OR 97217
WHO: Human Rights Campaign, SMYRC, and Q Center
MLK Day of Service in San Francisco
From now through January 20th, HRC and Larkin Street Youth Services are accepting the following items for the MLK Day of Service donation drive:
- Unopened travel-sized toiletries including soaps, shampoos, toothbrushes, toothpaste, moisturiser, lip balm, handwipes, tissues, and combs.
- Small but essential winter accessories such as beanies, gloves, scarves, socks, etc. (No bulky items such as jackets or coats.)
- First-aid supplies such as band-aids, sanitising wipes or gel, and cough drops.
- New and unused reusable water bottles.
These items can be dropped off at the following dates and locations:
WHAT: MLK Day of Service Donation Drive for LGBT Homeless Youth in San Francisco
| WHEN: From Now through Sunday, January 20Monday – Friday | 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday – Sunday | 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.WHERE: Larkin Street Youth Services1138 Sutter StreetSan Francisco, CA 94109 |
WHEN: From Now through Saturday, January 19Monday – Saturday | 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sunday | 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. WHERE: HRC Action Center & Store575 Castro St.San Francisco, CA 94114 |
WHO: Human Rights Campaign and Larkin Street Youth Services
On January 21st, volunteers will be needed to organise donated items into care bags. Volunteer training and orientation, food, and beverages will be provided.
WHAT: MLK Day of Service Assembly of Care Bags for LGBT Homeless Youth in San Francisco
WHEN: Monday, January 21
Start time: 10:00 a.m.
WHERE: Larkin Street Youth Services, 1138 Sutter Street, San Francisco, CA 94109
WHO: Human Rights Campaign and Larkin Street Youth Services
MLK Day of Service in Washington, D.C.
From now through January 18th, HRC and Transgender Health Empowerment’s Wanda Alston House are accepting the following items for the MLK Day of Service donation drive:
- Small but essential winter accessories such as warm hats, gloves, scarves, etc.
- New and unused socks and unisex undergarments
- School supplies, especially calculators and notebooks
These items can be dropped off at the following dates and locations:
WHAT: MLK Day of Service Donation Drive for LGBT Homeless Youth in Washington, D.C.
| WHEN: From Now through Friday, January 18Monday – Friday | 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
WHERE: T.H.E.’s Wanda Alston House 1414 N. Capitol St. NW Washington, DC 20001 |
WHEN: From Now through Friday, January 18Monday – Friday | 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
WHERE: HRC Action Center & Store 1640 Rhode Island Ave. NW Washington, D.C. 20036 |
WHO: Human Rights Campaign and T.H.E.’s Wanda Alston House
On January 19th, volunteers will be needed to organise donated items into care bags. Volunteer training and orientation, food, and beverages will be provided.
WHAT: MLK Day of Service Assembly of Care Bags for LGBT Homeless Youth in D.C.
WHEN: Saturday, January 19
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
WHERE: Transgender Health Empowerment
1414 North Capitol Street N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20001
WHO: Human Rights Campaign and T.H.E.’s Wanda Alston House
