Aleanca (Alliance Against Discrimination of LGBT people) formed in 2009 as a voluntary youth organization working to create a free, open and equal Albanian society that embraces diversity. Pro-LGBT formed in 2010 to promote and advocate for the advancement of LGBT rights in Albania. The two organizations work frequently and closely together, Aleanca working to build a strong base of LGBTQ people and activists, and Pro-LGBT serving as a watchdog and ‘public relations’ branch of the LGBT movement in Albania. Both organizations worked together to pass a national anti-discrimination law in 2010 and subsequent establishment of the Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination as the institution responsible for ensuring effective implementation of the law. Jointly they also formed “STREHA,” the first residential center in Albania that supports homeless LGBTQ youth 18-25 years old. STREHA also offers other services, life skills courses, and other leadership opportunities. Both organizations are actively involved in advocacy for inclusive laws and policies. Jointly they also formed “STREHA,” the first residential center in Albania that supports homeless LGBTQ youth 18-25 years old. STREHA also offers other services, life skills courses and other leadership opportunities.

“Streha” shelter is the first non-public residential center in Southern Eastern Europe, which helps the LGBTI community in emergency of housing and accommodation. It started as a pilot project of Alliance against LGBT Discrimination in collaboration with United ProLGBT Cause organizations since opening its door in December 2014.

Since November 2015 “Streha” is active as an independent NGO. This shelter is a concrete transition service for all LGBTI young people from age 18 to 25 that face violence and discrimination from family and/or local community (usually at the stage of coming out) making their life impossible to live. Cases under 18 years old and over 25 years old are subject of consideration of a case by case basis based on the assessment of the professional staff at the Shelter.

Streha provides services of reintegration to at risk homeless LGBT through 8 staff members, in total 24 hours, 7 days a week. “Streha” shelter has a capacity of eight beds and aims to be a service and assistance to at risk homeless LGBTI youth at national level.

A multidisciplinary team of the “Streha” shelter makes the initial assessment of each case, case by case and accepts the requirement for housing in the “Streha” shelter based on a clear protocol and very rigorous, designed in accordance with national standards with the assistance of USAID and Assist Impact, of the existing shelters in Albania and especially with the assistance of the shelters network of “Albert Kennedy Trust” in Great Britain that works since 1989.

Streha has professional staff to serve the LGBTI Community beyond Albania based on case management treated so far.