I was watching "In the Life" on PBS last night, and they did a story of gay men and women providing homes for Homeless glbt youth. I think it was in Minneapolis. They said it was the only program of it's kind in the country.

How many of you would be willing to provide a safe, NON-sexual, home to a gay homeless kid. Of course understanding that there is no financial compensation for it.

I know that Wayne and I would.

How about everyone else?

If I had my own place, I'd be willing to.

I've contributed generously as I could afford to a LGBT scholarship fund at my former university.

When I lived in Oregon, I volunteered at a shelter for youth identified as "at risk" for homelessness. Technically, it wasn't a homeless shelter. There was a gay kid there who was turning tricks for an existence. They wanted me to mentor him. I was 26, maybe 27...

I'm embarassed to say this, but I was scared shitless. Seriously. The scope and depth of what they wanted me to do was waaaaay intimidating and past what I felt I could offer. Now, as a thirtysomething person, I think I *could* be an attentive mentor.

Providing a home would be the next big step. I don't know if I'd be ready for that yet.

I say all this because I do agree that such a program is important. I know that personally I had a lot of growing to do and still have a lot of growing ahead. I'd love to hear from others here who've been able to create this kind of space in their hearts and souls. How did you know you were ready? What scared you? What was challenging? What did you find rewarding?