It’s a statistic that may shock you, but that doesn’t make it any less true: Approximately 40% of youth experiencing homelessness identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT), while about 7% of the general youth population does the same. The discrepancy is outrageous. And it’s impossible to ignore.

On Wednesday, April 29, 2015 NSPN will join people across the country – including national advocacy organizations, elected officials, service providers, celebrities, LGBT youth, and community members – to support the first ever #40toNoneDay.

#40toNoneDay is national awareness day for everyone who cares about ending LGBT youth homelessness. While there are many factors that contribute to LGBT youth homelessness, identity-based family rejection is the most commonly cited reason. The ultimate goal is to reduce the disproportionate percentage from 40% to none. We need your help!

People often think that, because they don’t work at a shelter or service provider, they don’t have a role to play in the effort to end LGBT youth homelessness. The reality is: Everyone can make a difference! LGBT youth experiencing homelessness interact with more than just people working at shelters. They go to coffee shops and libraries, ride public transportation, use the internet. To put it simply: they live life! We all share the same world and you may interact with these youth on a regular basis without even knowing it!

NSPN is honored to support #40toNoneDay, but we cannot do this alone. All of us have the ability to make a positive impact in the movement to end LGBT youth homelessness. The opportunity is yours. Will you take it?

Get involved at www.40toNoneDay.org.