They may be cold, hungry, tired and broke, but the colorful sign on the lobby wall at the Ruth Ellis Center says, “Come on in … Relax.” The Highland Park haven for homeless teens, who happen to be lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer (LGBTQ), has a cozy, inviting atmosphere, thanks to Carol, the staffer who greets people at the door.
“Americans don’t like to talk about youth homelessness,” said Jack Van Hecke, the development director at the Ruth Ellis Center. “What’s really shocking is the representation of LGBTQ youths,” added Van Hecke.
Established in 1999,
…