NYC opens first-in-the-nation homeless shelter for transgender people

Source: NBC News

Aug. 7, 2025, 5:42 PM EDT


New York City opened the country’s first city-funded shelter for transgender and gender-nonconforming people experiencing homelessness.

Ace’s Place, which opened this week in Queens and will offer 150 beds, is a collaboration between the NYC Department of Social Services and Destination Tomorrow, an LGBTQ nonprofit in the Bronx.

Ace’s Place will provide transitional housing as well as other services including individual and group counseling, planning and assistance for permanent housing, referrals to medical and mental health services, support groups, life skills and financial literacy workshops and employment assistance. Destination Tomorrow is also developing a work-study program for the culinary arts for residents interested in working in hospitality and food service, according to a press release from the nonprofit.

“We couldn’t be prouder to make this historic announcement that strongly affirms our values and commitment to strengthening the safety net for transgender New Yorkers at a time when their rights are roundly under attack,” Molly Wasow Park, Department of Social Services commissioner, said in a statement. “Ace’s Place will offer Transgender New Yorkers a safe place to heal and stabilize in trauma-informed settings with the support of staff who are deeply invested in their growth and wellbeing.”

Read more: https://www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-news/nyc-first-homeless-shelter-transgender-people-rcna223715