Phase I: Land for LGBT Halfwayhouse

My name is Dr. Karren Seely. I am a physician. I am an advocate. I am transgender.

When I came out my family disowned me. They didn’t want to see me develop deep friendships, apply myself in school, and become a physician. They didn’t want to watch me get my diploma when I graduated or invite my friends over for holidays. They didn’t even want to visit me in the hospital when I suffered from severe, suicidal depression.  Ours was a socially conservative, religious household. But that’s no comfort, no excuse, to a young person who is both aching for, and rejected by the people who are supposed to love them most.

I was lucky to meet the women who became my two Moms. They took me in, and were there for me in all the ways my real family was not. In that way, they became my real family. They inspired me to reach my full potential. And that included being happy – not only with who I was, but with who and what I wanted. Without them, I’m afraid to think where I might be.

Now, I want open the bonds of family to other youth who fear they may never have that security again.


LGBT youth are underserved, high risk, and dying because of it.

Approximately 40% of all homeless youth are LGBT

This means for nearly every 2 homeless kids you see on the street 1 is LGBT

I was one of those kids. Couch surfing, frightened, desperate for help.

And I got it.

Most don’t.

 

I am fundraising to provide families. Not just housing, food, and school supplies. But love, encouragement, the safety net every human being needs. I could offer that to a few kids on my own, but I can’t leave the others out there. We need to help as many kids as possible. So they can be a family to each other as well.

That’s where Sanctuary comes in: A halfway house for homeless, LGBT youth.

A safe space. A stable roof. Meals. The opportunity to be loved and be a kid. A real chance to finish high school.

 

How will we do it?

 

Living together with adults who can teach basic life skills and offer emotional support isn’t enough.  As such, the house will be located on a working farm.    Having a purpose by working with the land and animals has an immediate cause and effect that gives meaning and structure to the day.  Sanctuary will be a safe haven.  A place where these kids can realize their full potential, and return to society knowing that they have value and worth, and that someone sees it.

 
What are the next steps?

Phase 1: Purchasing the land. I have already located 71 acres in southern Maine. It will provide ample space for the halfway house, farm and horses. As well as leftover space to be developed with the input of our residents. A downpayment of 20% is $30,000. I plan to finance the rest of the cost myself, as I will also be living on the land. However, purchasing the land ensures it will always be available to Sanctuary without concerns about losing a lease. Future funding can then go back into programs and support, instead of rent.

 
Phase II: land clearing and farming/crop initiation. Pasture creation and stables/riding rings for horses. I estimate 2-3 years of intense development.

 
Phase III: Building the halfway house. We will start small, with the ability to house 12 residents with room for future expansion. The building will be financed through donation. We will then start hiring staff to manage the facility.

 

In reaching our $30,000 goal, you will have the opportunity to fund the creation of a family. Sanctuary will be home. A real home. We can make it possible.