The Wanda Alston Foundation is a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit established in 2008 to honor LGBTQ+ activist Wanda Alston. The organization operates the District’s only transitional housing program solely dedicated to homeless and at-risk LGBTQ+ youth (roughly ages 16–24), and provides case management, counseling, life-skills training, education and employment support, research, and advocacy to advance long-term stability and economic mobility for queer youth of color.
Advocates for housing justice and increased public funding for youth homelessness services, LGBTQ+ youth protections and anti-discrimination measures, gender-affirming care access, mental health and substance-use supports, racial equity in service delivery, and policies that expand transitional and permanent supportive housing for young people.
Primarily funded through individual donations, philanthropic foundation grants, fundraising events, program service revenue and occasional municipal or government grants and contracts.
Works with District of Columbia government offices (including the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ+ Affairs), local LGBTQ+ organizations and coalitions, community partners such as Capital Pride Alliance, and has been led by high-profile local leaders including former Executive Director June Crenshaw and current Executive Director Cesar Toledo.
Non-profit organization (community-based 501(c)(3) service provider)
