The Rainbow Program

The Rainbow Program is a subset program of the Independent Living Program that transitions teenagers from homelessness into self-sufficient adulthood. Youth live in apartments and receive counseling, vocational and educational training, and life skills development. Each teen must be working or enrolled in appropriate educational programs for a minimum of 20 hours per week. Teens have individualized service plans that outline goals and objectives for independence. Staff works with each teen to accomplish their individual goals. This program targets outreach to homeless youth and teens identifying as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or questioning (GLBTQ). At CHRIS Kids these youth find a place to live where they can learn self acceptance and be open about who they are without fear or retribution.

FACTS:

• National statistics suggest that up to 56% of homeless youth identify as GLBTQ.
• This program is one of few GLBTQ Independent Living Programs in the Southeast
• This program receives no federal support

"My mother asked me to leave the house after I told her I was gay. I was 18 and had no where to go. CHRIS Kids took me in and gave me a roof over my head. They encouraged me to pursue my education and supported me, even when my own family would not. They accepted me unconditionally and that is the type of love every kid should have. It does not matter if you're gay or straight. I am grateful for an organization like CHRIS Kids."

-David, age 20