Our Goals

To provide safe and affirming housing through our Host Homes Program so that LGBTQ young people experiencing homelessness have a foundation for their move toward independence.

To increase awareness about the needs, issues and challenges of homeless LGBTQ young people and their growing numbers in Philadelphia.

To ensure that LGBTQ young people have access to the community resources and services they need to support their individual needs.

Our Partnership

We are partnering with Valley Youth House and their Pride Program, an organization that addresses the housing, education, and the case management needs of LGBTQ young people to implement the first Homes Homes Program in Philadelphia.

Who we are

**Brendan Taliaferro, Founder/Executive Director**

A 2019 graduate from the University of Pennsylvania with highest honors, Brendan founded The Homeward Initiative in April 2019 after being awarded the President's Engagement Prize and a $150,000 grant to establish Philadelphia's first LGBTQ Host Homes Program for youth. He was also a Benjamin Franklin Scholar, a Robert Fox Leadership Fellow, and a Civic Scholar.
Linkedin

Debra Isaacs Schafer
Consultant

Debra Isaacs Schafer will be spearheading strategy, communications, and operations, bringing years of business, consulting, and advocacy experience to our Host Homes Program. With a background in marketing, human resources, and education, she is actively involved in initiatives focusing on youth and college student homelessness and food insecurity.
**Linkedin**

Sharon Griffiths
Consultant

Sharon Griffiths will be overseeing our web design, development and the creation of marketing and outreach materials. Her background includes online content development, graphic design, and SEO and has experience working with nonprofit organizations and clients in the areas of education, consumer services, health & wellness and information technology.
**Linkedin**

Our Other Partners

Point Source Youth is a nationwide non-profit working to scale-up effective solutions to end the crisis of youth homelessness.

Turning Points for Children has been providing social services and health services for children and families for 175 years. They currently serve over 9,000 individuals in Philadelphia.

We are currently recruiting Hosts & Host Homes.

Learn more