Wisconsin Plants Flowers in Sidewalks for Homeless LGBTQ+ Youth

Across Wisconsin this June, bright flowers are popping up in the most unexpected places: sidewalk cracks throughout Madison, Milwaukee, Appleton, and Racine.

The 75 vibrant installations are part of "Courage to Grow," a campaign by nonprofit Courage+ that provides housing for LGBTQ+ youth. Each flower represents young people who "fall through the cracks" of the system.

The campaign addresses a heartbreaking reality. An estimated 1.7 million LGBTQ+ young people experience homelessness nationwide, with LGBTQ+ youth 120% more likely to face homelessness than their peers due to family rejection or abuse.

"We're using the flowers coming out of the sidewalks and cracks as a symbol of the resilience and the bravery of these queer youths who continue to persevere," co-founder Brad Schlaikowski told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "They're defying the odds by coming out of the cement."

The installations range from single daisies in sidewalk cracks to lush gardens outside participating businesses. Each planting includes a QR code where passersby can learn more, find other flower locations, and discover ways to help.

Local businesses become "Bravemakers" by hosting the installations and committing to ongoing education and advocacy for LGBTQ+ youth. They're actively creating safe spaces where young people can show up as their authentic selves.

The Ripple Effect

Beyond raising awareness, Courage+ operates Wisconsin's first licensed group homes specifically for displaced LGBTQ+ youth. Courage House and C2 provide not just safe housing but case management and wraparound services helping young adults move toward independence.

The campaign transforms an invisible crisis into something beautiful and visible. Young LGBTQ+ people who might feel alone can see physical proof that their community cares about them.

"Their strength and resilience aren't abstract," Schlaikowski said. The flower installations remind every young person who sees them that they're not alone.

The symbolism is powerful: just like flowers pushing through concrete, LGBTQ+ youth continue to grow and thrive despite overwhelming obstacles. When communities provide safe spaces and support, these young people don't just survive; they bloom.