If you are under 25: housing, food, care and support
Where young people up to 24 can go when they have nowhere to sleep or need food, a doctor, a lawyer, or people who understand.
Most centers start with a short intake meeting, then assign a case manager who helps with housing, food, documents and insurance. Hours and rules change.
If you are under 16, The Door (from 12), Hetrick-Martin Institute (from 13) and City drop-in centers (from 14) will see you. If you are under 18, each center has its own rules for minors.
Start here
- If you have nowhere to sleep, Ali Forney Center takes LGBTQ+ young people aged 16–24: come to 307 West 38th Street, 3rd floor, or email intakes@aliforneycenter.org.
- 24-hour City drop-in centers you can walk into are in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens and on Staten Island.
- If you are struggling emotionally right now, call 988 and say "Russian": an interpreter joins. The Trevor Project answers LGBTQ+ young people under 25 around the clock, in English: 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678.
Go to Ali Forney Center
A nonprofit center for homeless LGBTQ+ young people aged 16–24 and those about to lose housing. New intakes: Mon–Fri 8 am–8 pm, Sat–Sun 10 am–6 pm; closed to clients Wednesdays 2–4 pm. To set up an intake right away, email intakes@aliforneycenter.org; in an emergency, the phone (in English) is (212) 206-0574, extension 100. The City lists it as 24-hour, while the center gives intake hours.
Bring what you need today and any documents you have
Address: 307 West 38th Street, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10018. Three meals a day, clothes and hygiene supplies, free HIV tests. After intake you get a case manager.
If Ali Forney is far or closed: the nearest drop-in center
The Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) has centers for homeless young people aged 14–24 in every borough, not only for LGBTQ+ youth: eat, get clothes, shower, do laundry and meet a case manager. Some are open 24 hours; hours change.
If you are 18–24: MCCNY Homeless Youth Services
A service of the Metropolitan Community Church of New York (MCCNY) for LGBTQ+ young people aged 18–24, open all year: crisis shelter, a case manager, a social worker, a psychiatrist, job help. Email Frances@mccny.org; if you need a bed tonight, the phone (in English) is (212) 629-7440, extension 226.
If you are in danger right now, call 911
If a life is in danger or you need urgent medical care, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. On 911, say "Russian" and an interpreter joins.
If you are struggling emotionally and need to talk: 988 or The Trevor Project
Call 988 and say "Russian": an interpreter joins. The Trevor Project is a free, confidential 24/7 line for LGBTQ+ young people under 25, in English: 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678.
Organizations in New York for LGBTQ+ people under 25
| Ages | What it offers | How to start | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ali Forney Center | 16–24 | Intake, three meals a day, clothes, hygiene supplies, free HIV tests, a doctor, a therapist, temporary and transitional housing | Come to 307 West 38th Street or email intakes@aliforneycenter.org |
| The Door | 12–24 | Free membership with no documents, lawyers, a doctor, school, jobs, a drop-in for young people without housing | The form at door.org or the membership office, 555 Broome Street |
| Hetrick-Martin Institute (HMI) | 13–24 | Counseling, support groups, a case manager, HIV and STI tests, paid internships, high school equivalency (HSE) prep, food and clothes | Write to join@hmi.org or walk in Mon–Fri 4–7 pm |
| MCCNY Homeless Youth Services | 18–24 | Crisis shelter, case management, social work, psychiatric care, job training | Email Frances@mccny.org; tonight: (212) 629-7440, ext. 226 (in English) |
| City drop-in centers | 14–24 | Food, clothing, showers, laundry, case management; some centers are open around the clock | Walk in to the nearest center |
| The LGBTQ+ Center youth programs | 13–22 | Free and confidential programs, paid internships, scholarships, a legal clinic | Complete the intake; questions: youth@gaycenter.org |
| Generation Q (Queens Community House) | 13–21 | An after-school youth center, counseling, help with college and jobs, a parents' group | Walk in Tue–Fri 3–7 pm or email info@qchnyc.org |
| Pride Center of Staten Island, Youth Services | 13–24 | Youth programs, support groups, case management | Email info@pridecentersi.org; first, a one-time orientation |
| Callen-Lorde, the HOTT program (Health Outreach to Teens) | 13–24 | Medical care for teens and young people, free or low-cost | Walk in at Chelsea Mon–Thu 10 am–5 pm, Fri 10 am–3 pm |
Ali Forney Center, Drop-In Center
Under 25
The City's main center for homeless LGBTQ+ young people aged 16–24: food, clothes, showers, free HIV tests, a doctor, therapist and psychiatrist, help with school and work. After intake you get a case manager.
The Door, Manhattan Drop-In Center
Under 25
A day center for young people aged 14–24 without stable housing: meals, a food pantry, clothes, hygiene supplies, showers and laundry, counseling, referrals to City shelters. No overnight stays. Questions: dropinservices@door.org; for a housing crisis: shelterinfo@door.org.
The Door, Bronx Youth Center, 24-Hour Drop-In Center
Under 25
A 24-hour center for young people aged 16–24: a safe place to rest, food, showers, laundry, clothes, counseling, help with housing and benefits, a case manager. Questions: dropinservices@door.org; for a housing crisis: shelterinfo@door.org.
Safe Horizon Streetwork Project, Harlem
Under 25
A city drop-in center for homeless young people aged 14–24 in Harlem: food, clothing, showers, laundry and case management.
SCO Family of Services, Brooklyn Drop-In Center
Under 25
A city drop-in center in Brooklyn for homeless young people aged 14–24: food, clothing, showers, laundry and case management.
Rising Ground, Jamaica Drop-In Center
Under 25
A city drop-in center in Queens for homeless young people aged 14–24: food, clothing, showers, laundry and case management.
Rising Ground, Far Rockaway Drop-In Center
Under 25
A city drop-in center in Far Rockaway (Queens) for homeless young people aged 14–24: food, clothing, showers, laundry and case management.
Project Hospitality, Staten Island Drop-In Center
Under 25
A city drop-in center on Staten Island for homeless young people aged 14–24: food, clothing, showers, laundry and case management.
Ali Forney Center, emergency housing
Under 25
Temporary housing in apartments in Queens and Brooklyn for up to six months: six apartments, 66 beds. You can get a place at intake at the Drop-In Center; to set up an intake, email intakes@aliforneycenter.org. The center can't promise everyone a bed; after intake your case manager refers you to suitable programs.
Ali Forney Center, transitional housing
Under 25
Transitional housing for up to two years for 42 young people: you live there and prepare to live on your own. You get in through your case manager after intake.
MCCNY Homeless Youth Services
Under 25
For LGBTQ+ young people aged 18–24 without housing: crisis shelter, a case manager, a social worker, a psychiatrist, medical care, job training. Open 365 days a year. Email Frances@mccny.org.
The Door, supportive housing
Under 25
Two buildings of permanent housing with staff on site 24/7 (supportive housing) on the Lower East Side: The Lee (133 Pitt Street) and East 9th Street (710 E 9th Street). Eligibility is on the Supportive Housing page of The Door's website.
Check your age
Ages 13 to 24. Free; you don't need to be in school or have a permanent address.
Write to them
Send your name and phone number to join@hmi.org and they'll contact you.
Or walk in
New members are seen Mon–Fri 4–7 pm; come by 5:30 pm, the last intake starts at 6 pm. Address: 2 Astor Place, New York, NY 10003.
Ask about counseling and groups
Counselors work Mon–Fri 10 am–8 pm, email counseling@hmi.org. Individual counseling, support groups, art therapy and psychiatry.
Ask a case manager to help with housing, food and documents
The case manager helps with housing, food, ID and insurance. HMI's pantry has food, hygiene supplies and clothes.
Check your age and location
Anyone aged 12–24 in or near New York City can join The Door (a free youth center in Manhattan and the Bronx). No proof of residence needed.
Go to the membership office
The membership office is at the Manhattan Youth Center, 555 Broome Street. Hours: Mon–Fri 2–5:30 pm, plus 10 am–2 pm for urgent situations and young people without stable housing. You can also start online: the form at door.org/membership, an email to membership@door.org, or a text to (929) 357-0768.
Meet staff for the intake session
Staff get to know you and suggest programs that fit. Free, no documents, language is no barrier.
Use The Door's lawyers and clinic as a member
Legal help at The Door starts with membership. Trans health care (hormone therapy) also requires being a member in good standing.
The Door, Legal Services Center
Under 25Free
Free legal help for young people aged 12–24: immigration (asylum; SIJS, status for those who need juvenile court protection because a parent abused, neglected or abandoned them; U and T visas for survivors of certain crimes and trafficking; VAWA protection for survivors of family abuse; work permits, EAD), name changes, housing, benefits, foster care. First step: become a member of The Door. Then write to legalhelp@door.org for an appointment or a referral; you can also text 929-237-9538. In English, Spanish and French, with interpreters for other languages.
The LGBTQ+ Center, Free to be Youth Project Legal Clinic
Under 25Free
A legal clinic for young people aged 13–22 on the second Wednesday of each month at 5:30 pm (next: November 11): name changes, replacing documents, immigration, work permits (EAD), SNAP food aid and more. Start with the intake form on the center's youth programs page.
Callen-Lorde, HOTT (Health Outreach to Teens)
Under 25Low cost
A program of the LGBTQ+ health center Callen-Lorde for teens and young people aged 13–24, free or low-cost. Walk in at Chelsea, Mon–Thu 10 am–5 pm, Fri 10 am–3 pm; there is also a mobile clinic.
The Door, Adolescent Health Center, trans health
Under 25
Hormone therapy, primary care, PrEP and PEP, surgery letters, help updating documents, clothes and items that fit your identity. For trans people aged 19–24, and for emancipated minors (teens living on their own, no longer under parental custody) and homeless youth with documentation. You must be a member of The Door.
NYC Sexual Health Clinics
Under 25Low cost
City clinics: STI testing and treatment, HIV tests, PrEP, PEP and doxy PEP (doxycycline after sex to lower STI risk). Free or low-cost, from age 12, no parental consent, any status.
The Trevor Project
Under 25Free
A free, confidential 24/7 crisis line for LGBTQ+ young people under 25: call, text (START to 678-678) or chat on the website. TTY: 1-866-803-3699. Calls, texts and chat are in English; for Russian, call 988 and say "Russian": an interpreter joins.
Trans Lifeline
Under 25Free
A line answered by trans people. Calls are anonymous. They don't call police or an ambulance without your clear request; by law they report real threats of violence to others and suspected child abuse. The line is in English and Spanish; for Russian, call 988 and say "Russian": an interpreter joins.
The LGBTQ+ Center, youth programs
Under 25Free
A community center for LGBTQ+ people in Manhattan. For young people aged 13–22: free, confidential programs, paid internships, scholarships, a drop-in space and Gender X, a group for trans and gender-nonconforming youth (Thursdays 5:30–7 pm). Intake comes first. Questions: youth@gaycenter.org.
Generation Q, Queens Community House
Under 25
An after-school center for LGBTQ+ youth and allies aged 13–21: counseling, help with college and jobs, a support group for parents and families. Walk in Tue–Fri 3–7 pm or email info@qchnyc.org.
Pride Center of Staten Island, Youth Services
Under 25
The LGBTQ+ center on Staten Island: programs for young people aged 13–24, support groups, a case manager. Before joining youth drop-in activities, you go to a one-time orientation; to sign up, email info@pridecentersi.org. There is also an online drop-in on Discord.
- LGBTQ+
- Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and other people.
- Drop-in center
- A place you can walk into: eat, get clothes, shower, do laundry, talk with staff. Some are open 24 hours.
- Intake
- The first meeting, where you are enrolled and staff find out how to help.
- Case manager
- A staff member who handles your case: housing, food, documents, insurance, doctor's appointments.
- Crisis shelter
- Short-term housing for people with nowhere to stay right now.
- Transitional housing
- Housing for up to two years where you live while preparing for independent life.
- Supportive housing
- A building where you live long-term, with staff nearby who help with school, work and health.
- HIV, PrEP, PEP
- HIV is the human immunodeficiency virus. PrEP is medicine taken ahead of time to protect against HIV; PEP is medicine after a possible exposure, started as soon as possible and within 72 hours.
This is general information, not legal advice: QARAVAN has no lawyers. QARAVAN does not help anyone enter the US and cannot arrange visas, invitations, sponsorship or evacuation. For your own case, talk to a licensed immigration attorney or a representative accredited by the U.S. Department of Justice.
Sources, checked November 2026
- gaycenter.org
- pridecentersi.org
- callen-lorde.org
- nyc.gov/site/doh/services/sexual-health-clinics.page
- aliforneycenter.org/get-help
- nyc.gov/site/dycd/services/runaway-homeless-youth/borough-base…
- mccny.org
- mccny.org/mccnycharities.html
- gaycenter.org/youth
- qchnyc.org/programs/lgbtq-services/generation-q-youth-center
- callen-lorde.org/hott
- door.org/rhy
- door.org/locations
- door.org/legalservices
- door.org/transgender-health
- thetrevorproject.org/get-help
- translifeline.org/hotline
- door.org/membership