Benefit Dinner for the First Gender Inclusive Safe Haven for LGBTQ Homeless Youth in the Inland Empire Was a Success

Redlands, CA, May 15, 2014 --(PR.com)-- The 1st Annual Black Tie Benefit Dinner for Joshua Home: An LGBTQ Safe Haven was hosted by Rangi Ya Giza (RYG); a non-Greek brotherhood at the University of Redlands, committed to community service, diversity, and brotherhood, was held in the Casa Loma Room at the University of Redlands.

This event brought attention to the epidemic of homelessness among LGBTQ youth. Of the estimated 2,000,000 homeless youth in America almost half identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and a disproportionate number identify as Transgender, Questioning and more. One of the main focuses of the evening was on the growing issue of sex trafficking among Transgender teens and younger LGBT children.

“There is a silent epidemic in almost every community in America, and it is time for us to speak up and out for these unheard children,” says Joshua Home’s Founder and CEO, Annette Patterson.

Master of Ceremonies Richard Daily, Admission Outreach Coordinator at Soka University of America, kept the program running smoothly, with a lot of laughter. Tamia Daily, Founder of the Luv Daily Foundation, Inc. along with her sister Jewel Patterson a student at UofR sang a beautiful rendition of "What about the children?" by Yolanda Adams, bringing almost everyone to tears. Dr. Adam Ackley, then gave an informative and moving talk about his journey as a transgender gay Christian, and his commitment to his LGBTQ Christian college students as well as to Joshua Home and its Founder Annette Patterson. A highlight of the program was when Annette personally presented Certificates of Appreciation to Sponsors Barbara Murray, professor and Director of the Science Center at the University of Redlands, Brittany Bryant and Richard Daily. In addition, both Patrick L. Turner, Founder of Pat on the Back Foundation and Tamia Daily received Excellence in Service to Children Awards.

Although there has been an outpouring of support, the organization needs ongoing funds and in-kind donations to open fall 2014. Following are some of the needs: Two twelve-passenger vans; Five bedroom, two bath Single family home in the Inland Empire; Complete furnishings for the home; Computer center for six; Administrative office furnishings and supplies. Complete list available upon request.

Joshua Home was created for at-risk LGBTQ Youth who are homeless Of the many youth shelters in Southern California few if any are trained, experienced or sympathetic enough to address the specific challenges LGBTQ Youth face when homeless, helpless and alone. Pioneered in 2013 by Founder and CEO, Annette Patterson, Joshua Home's goal is to make sure every homeless Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning young person ages 12 through 17, in the Inland Empire has a permanent place to call home.

Joshua Home: An LGBTQ Safe Haven is an overdue solution to a problem that has been pushed through the cracks in our society for far too long. They are committed to ending LGBTQ youth homelessness One Home, One Child at a time.

The organization is enlisting the support of the LGBT+ community and its allies to help bring awareness of the growing epidemic of homeless LGBT+ youth in America, while being a part of the solution through their volunteer work with Joshua Home.

If you would like more information about Joshua Home, please contact Annette Patterson, CEO at 1-760-218-6009 or email at joshuahomelgbtq@gmail.com.