2023 Best Small Practice Southeast

2023 NC Firm of the Year

I love you, and…

Collaborators

Davis Turner, Jerrica Arias, Grace Riley

ILYA targets a specific group of individuals struggling with homelessness, LGBTQ+ teens, as this demographic experiences homelessness disproportionately. LGBTQ+ homeless teens account for 40% of all homeless teens. Many have been tossed out or ostracized from nuclear family units. North Carolina currently offers no shelter for LGBTQ+ youth.


The proposal identifies three levels of support that cities can offer: emergency support, overnight clinic, and long-term community housing. The programs would be discreet, using existing or abandoned infrastructure, and would integrate individuals into the city fabric.