Mont. Co. considers home for gay youth
Transitional facility could open in Gaithersburg or Rockville

AMY CAVANAUGH
Friday, December 05, 2008

http://www.washingtonblade.com/2008/12-5/news/localnews/13708.cfm

Discussions are underway in Montgomery County to open Maryland's first residential home for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth.

Led by Hearts & Homes for Youth, a group that provides services to youth who are abused, neglected or homeless, the discussions remain preliminary, but Rex Smith, the organization's president, said he's already identified locations in Rockville or Gaithersburg for the home.

"We believe there's a need here," he said. "So we need to figure out a way, even in these hard times, that we can save a few lives."

Smith said plans for the home began when Hearts & Homes sought to find foster parents who were willing to take in gay youth for their foster program, which currently has about 30 youth.