YAKIMA — Yakima is set to open a resource center meant to serve as a safe place for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youths.

The Yakima Herald-Republic reported the center, scheduled to open June 1, will offer LGTB individuals access to counseling, housing and health care resources as well as a place to express themselves. The facility grew out of conversations between Yakima health officials and advocacy groups.

The center will be housed in an existing building on the Yakima Neighborhood Health Services campus. It will be open to those ages 13 to 23, who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.

Neighborhood Health official Annette Rodriguez says the need for the center is based on studies that show LGBT individuals are more likely to commit suicide or become homeless.