QNEST Featured on the One Big Boat Podcast

QNEST recently had the opportunity to be featured on the One Big Boat podcast by Last Minute Productions. The conversation focused on the growing crisis of LGBTQ+ youth homelessness and the work QNEST is doing to address the gap in stable housing for these teens in Massachusetts.

During the episode, Sarela Bliman-Cohen, founder of QNEST, shared how volunteering at St. Francis House in Boston led to the realization that many LGBTQ+ teenagers were experiencing homelessness after being rejected by their families. What began as a personal encounter quickly turned into months of research that revealed a troubling reality: nearly 30% of homeless youth in Massachusetts identify as LGBTQ+, despite representing only about 10% of the overall youth population.

The podcast explores the vision behind QNEST: creating long-term, affirming group homes where LGBTQ+ teens can live safely throughout their high school years while remaining connected to school, community, and supportive adults. These homes will provide stability during one of the most critical periods in a young person’s life.

We are grateful to the team at One Big Boat for helping bring attention to the urgent need for housing solutions for LGBTQ+ youth.

Listen to the episode here