KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Anyone looking for a reason to break out their aerobics outfits, jumpsuits and shoulder pads will have their chance when a Knoxville housing nonprofit hosts a 1980s-themed party.
Bryant's Bridge will host a "Let's Go Crazy with the 80s" fundraiser on Oct. 25, starting at 6:30 p.m. EDT. People can buy tickets or sponsorships to attend the event. It features live music, dancing, food, a silent auction and more. All proceeds from the event go towards Bryant's Bridge's mission of providing affordable, transitional housing for young LGBTQ+ people who have experienced homelessness.
Tickets for the event cost $60, and the event will be at The Emporium on Gay Street.
"Every dollar raised will go towards ensuring LGBTQ+ youth in our community have a safe place to call home and the resources they need to thrive," said Bethany Lemons in a release, a spokesperson for the nonprofit.
The nonprofit takes a housing-first approach towards homelessness, first connecting clients to permanent housing without any requirements. People who need help are not required to "demonstrate that they are ready for housing" and housing programs are not conditional on sobriety or abstinence.
It then provides them with a choice of services they may need to stay housed. The nonprofit makes sure clients who face issues with substance abuse have a harm-reduction environment, or an abstinence-only setting if they prefer.
It works with each individual to find the types of support that fit their specific needs, ranging from mental health support to physical health help or employment and education services.
Ultimately, the nonprofit said by taking a housing-first approach, LGBTQ+ youth may feel reconnected with their communities and participate in meaningful activities. East Tennessee social workers previously said several participants in its programs had been kicked out of their homes after coming out as members of the LGBTQ+ community.
The Trevor Project also reported around 28% of LGBTQ+ youth reported experiencing housing stability at some point in their lives.
