According to the text on Urban Social Work discuss several barriers for the LGBT community that may not support Marcus and his behavior. The barriers in urban cities discriminate against the LGBT and view them as a crime, sin, and mentally ill. The LGBT community will face barriers like denied for housing, employment, and health benefits (Phillips, Straussner, 2002). A study was done on the reason why teens run away from their homes due to physical, emotional, and sexual abuse or their parents are unable to deal with their behavior issues such as substance abuse or sexual orientation (Martinez, 2006). In Marcus case, he ran away from home because he was emotional hurt that his parent did not accept his sexual orientation. Marcus is homeless and need social support to help with his distress. Adolescent who are homeless are at high risk for substance abuse and prostitution. Those who come out with their sexual orientation finds safety in larger cities are supported by the LGBT and homeless population (Whitbeck, Chen, Hoyt, Tyler, and Johnson, …show more content…
Since the Mobile County is not teen oriented for homeless shelter Marcus do not qualify for the social service here in Mobile because of his age and situation. Marcus was sent to Huntsville Alabama Free2be shelter that advocate for young adults that are in the LGBT community. The shelter provide social services which include counseling, support groups, public advocacy, and professional development are provided through the Free2Be Safe Anti-Violence Project (free2be, 2015). It also committed to the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of youth and young adults struggling due to sexual orientation or gender identity issues. In order for Marcus to be assist in this program he would have to be referred or a parent has to sign him into the program. This program with allow Marcus to development skills, knowledge and self- awareness about LGBT