It Takes A Village: A Comprehensive Look into Sheltering Queer Youth

Of the many hardships that LGBTQ2S youth experience, the biggest may be homelessness. Children flee their homes for many reasons, including mental health issues, discrimination, and conflicts with parents. Finding a supportive and inclusive space where they can explore their identity and feel protected can be difficult when there are few resources to meet their needs. As a large proportion of homeless youth identifies as LGBTQ2S, this thesis envisions a consolidated set of facilities and services, coupled with a center that serves and galvanizes the broader queer community. The project explores inclusivity and visibility through the design of a community center and emergency shelter for queer youth in the heart of Ottawa's gay village, with an ancillary component that provides permanent supportive housing. Among other questions, this thesis explores how architecture can assist in creating spaces where all feel welcomed and safe and how it might facilitate community formation.