ANN ARBOR – Ozone House is holding its seventh annual Home Sweet Home fundraiser, presented by Liberty Dental, at Zingerman’s Greyline on Thursday, February 13th from 6:30-9:30 p.m.
General admission is $75 per person, of which $50 is tax-deductible. Guests can enjoy a wide selection of Zingerman’s mixed delicious appetizers, cheeses and desserts along with a great selection of wine. There is also a $25 admission specifically for non-profit employees, social workers, teachers and students over 21. You can register HERE
A talented jazz ensemble from Community High School will provide entertainment. There was also be a silent auction and a brief program by Ozone House’s Executive Director, Krista Girty, and staff members that support Ozone House’s PrideZone program.
“LGBTQ+ youth are overrepresented among the homeless youth population,” says Patrick Gaulier, Ozone House Clinical Manager and PrideZone facilitator. “While they make up about 10% of the general youth population, they comprise up to 40% of the homeless youth population because of family rejection, discrimination, bullying and a host of other factors.”
Chapin Hall, at the University of Chicago, found that LGBTQ+ youth are 120 percent more likely to experience homelessness compared to their heterosexual and cisgender peers. But research also shows that “protective factors such as social support, LGBTQ role models, and inclusive policies can buffer the risk and an increase resilience for young LGBTQ+ youth.”
“The LGBTQ+ youth homeless population are not only dealing with the pressures of being homeless, but also coping with rejection and isolation, and they’re much more likely to engage in risky behaviors, attempt suicide, and struggle with depression and PTSD,” Girty said. “The Home Sweet Home event is an important fundraiser to help provide safety and support for this vulnerable population of young people and show them how much they are loved.”
Proceeds from the event will go to Ozone House’s Kicked-Out Fund, which helps local gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth at Ozone House and its 24-hour crisis center that includes calls, texts at 734-662-2222 and chats through www.ozonehouse.org.
Reserve tickets HERE
If you can’t make it to the event but want to make a difference, donate to Ozone House here.
Other sponsors include: Wacker Chemie, Ann Arbor Board of Realtors, Comcast, and Spun.
Silent auction includes gifts from : The Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra, David Zinn, Ann Arbor Ice Cube, Decode Detroit, Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase, Coval Fitness, Bloom Wellness, Domino’s Farms Fitness Center, Comet Coffee, Red Hawk Bar & Grill, Bobcat Bonnies, Blank Slate Creamery, Unicorn Feed and Supply, Erica Zap jewelry, Warby Parker, Downtown Home and Garden, MDen, Bivuoac, SEE Eyeware, Pet Emporiu, Blue Mercury, Crazy Wisdom Bookstore and Tea Room, Blom Meadworks, and Cherry Republic.
About Ozone House
Ozone House is the only youth shelter in Washtenaw County and has gained national recognition for ensuring that their programming is safe for all youth who seek support. Ozone House is a community-based, nonprofit agency that helps young people lead safe, healthy, and productive lives through intensive intervention and prevention services. We have developed unique, high-quality housing programs, and services that provide support, intervention, training, and assistance to runaway, homeless, and high-risk youth and their families. We help youth develop essential life skills, improve their relationships, and enhance their self-image so that they may realize their full potential for growth and happiness.
PrideZone is a social and support group for youth ages 13-20 who identify as LGBTQ+. It is a safe place to: socialize, build community, have fun in an open and queer space, and access support services.