LGBTQ+ Services LGBTQ+ youth often face hostile home and school environments, and are disproportionately affected by homelessness. We are a safe place.

Our Safe Place provides very necessary mental health services and drop-in centers for LGBTQ+ youth up to age 21 and their families. 

One of San Diego’s most vulnerable populations, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) youth, often suffer because of non-supportive or even hostile environments in their homes, schools and communities.

We provide comprehensive services to youth and their families:

  • Advocacy Services
  • Building Community & Support Network
  • Coming Out
  • Depression, Anxiety & Trauma
  • Family Relationships
  • Individualized Support
  • Referral to Gender Affirming Care
  • Sexual Health
  • Safe Dating
  • School & Work Support
  • Substance Use
Make a Referral

Our Safe Place Drop-In Center
Our Safe Place Drop-In Center Couches and TV
Our Safe Place Drop-In Center
Our Safe Place Staff
Rainbow LOVE sign in a potted plant
Our Safe Place Drop-In Center Flyers on a Wall
Our Safe Place Drop-In Center

A Story of Youth Success

Kicked out of their previous shelter and exhausted from a life of instability, Opal* finally found their way to our Safe STAY Wellness Center. When they moved in, they were understandably distrustful of the shelter, and showed signs of trauma like not believing the food was safe to eat. They weren't sure if a conventional living situation with an apartment and a lease was suited to them, preferring to be able to come and go wherever they felt was best at the time.

By taking a trauma-informed approach, our staff was able to help Opal find security in their future and reimagine a life that best suited their needs. After just 6 months of staying with us, Opal was able to jumpstart their independence, move into a place in Hillcrest and develop a more positive outlook.

More Youth Success Stories

Mental Health Clinic

OSP Dropin

Our Safe Place uses a whole person philosophy and provides safe and affirming spaces of healing through authentic connections, resources for equitable opportunity and avenues for cultivating strengths.

%
100% of clients receive Trauma Informed Assessment

Mental Health Clinic Contact

3427 4th Avenue, Second Floor
San Diego, CA 92103

Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Call Us @ (619) 525-9903
Mental Health Services
Psychiatry
Community-based Outreach & Support
24-Hour Support
Program Funding

Drop-In Center

Our Safe Place is a collaborative program with South Bay Community Services and the YMCA of San Diego County, with each partner providing a drop-in center and San Diego Youth Services also providing a mental health clinic.

%
100% of clients who request gender transition services are connected to appropriate medical provider

Case Management
Peer Support
Family Support
Community Training & Education
Drop-In Center Locations
Program Funding

SDYS Drop-In Centers

Central
2220 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92102

East County
3845 Spring Drive, Room 13, Spring Valley, CA 91977

Open 7 days a week
Monday-Friday, 3-7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 4-8 p.m.
Evenings and weekend by appointment.

Call Us @ (619) 525-9903

Safe STAY Wellness Center

Contact

For info or to inquire about a bed, contact: housingservices@thecentersd.org

Call Us @ (619) 694-6182

Safe STAY is a program of The San Diego LGBT Community Center in partnership with YMCA Youth and Family Services and San Diego Youth Services.

Safe STAY Wellness Center provides up to 43 beds and supportive services to all youth ages 18-24 who are experiencing homelessness.

LGBTQ+-empowering staff and case managers are available and provide access to resources and referrals, with a focus on helping young people connect with more permanent housing opportunities.

Additional services include, but are not limited to: meals, peer support, showers, laundry services, and linkages to community resources.

Other Support for LGBTQ+ Youth

The Trevor Project

Information & support for LGBTQ+ young people 24/7. Reach out to a counselor if you’re struggling, find answers and information, and get the tools you need to help someone else.

Trevor Project Website

TransFamily Support Services

Free support for trans youth, including family coaching, assistance with healthcare and insurance issues, help navigating the legal system, and support at schools.

TransFamily Support Services Website

For informational purposes only, a link to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Open Payments web page is provided here. The federal Physician Payments Sunshine Act requires that detailed information about payment and other payments of value worth over ten dollars ($10) from manufacturers of drugs, medical devices, and biologics to physicians and teaching hospitals be made available to the public. It can be found at https://openpaymentsdata.cms.gov.