Belmont Public Library will host a homelessness and LGBT youth panel at 7 p.m. May 30 in the assembly room at 336 Concord Ave.

After the panel presentation will be a Q&A.

Dealing with the issue of homelessness is a challenge the state has tried to address for the past 30 years, mainly by providing shelters that save hundreds who would otherwise sleep on the streets. This response is inadequate as a long-term solution. Journalist Mike DeSocio has explored this issue through the eyes of a gay woman named Liniste, who is experiencing homelessness. During Belmont High School’s Diversity Week, DeSocio and Liniste spoke to students at a presentation, “Homelessness and LGBT Youth in Greater Boston,” which followed the publication of DeSocio’s recent article of the same title, available at https://medium.com/binj-reports/the-outsiders-5261ed6b169c.

They were joined by Joe Finn, executive director of Massachusetts Housing and Shelter Alliance, a nonprofit public policy agency dedicated to ending homelessness in Massachusetts. These individuals connected in various ways to the issue of homelessness will speak to the Belmont community about the crisis of homelessness, how it is affecting people in Massachusetts,and issues that affect LGBT youth experiencing homelessness.

This event is co-sponsored by Belmont against Racism, Belmont Gay Straight Alliance Committee, Belmont Human Rights Commission, Belmont Public Library, Boston Institute for Non-Profit Journalism, First Church in Belmont and Stand Up Campaign. For information: 617-993-2795.