# If you are under 25: housing, food, care and support

Source: https://www.qaravan.org/resources/lgbtq/youth/

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](tel: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](tel:18664887386) or text START to 678-678.

## If you have nowhere to sleep tonight

1. 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](tel:2122060574), extension 100. The City lists it as 24-hour, while the center gives intake hours.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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](tel:2126297440), extension 226.
5. If you are in danger right now, call 911 If a life is in danger or you need urgent medical care, call [911](tel:911) or go to the nearest emergency room. On [911](tel:911), say "Russian" and an interpreter joins.
6. If you are struggling emotionally and need to talk: 988 or The Trevor Project Call [988](tel: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](tel:18664887386) or text START to 678-678.

## Where to go: ages and help

Organizations in New York for LGBTQ+ people under 25

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## City drop-in centers for people under 25 without housing

- 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. [(212) 206-0574](tel:2122060574), ext. 100 (in English) [aliforneycenter.org](https://www.aliforneycenter.org/get-help) 307 West 38th Street, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10018 new intakes: Mon–Fri 8 am–8 pm, Sat–Sun 10 am–6 pm; closed Wed 2–4 pm; the city lists 24/7
- 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. [door.org](https://www.door.org/rhy/) 555 Broome Street, New York, NY 10013 Mon–Sat 10 am–6 pm (city list: Mon–Fri 9 am–6 pm, Sat 10 am–6 pm)
- 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. [door.org](https://www.door.org/rhy/) 2999 Third Avenue, 1st Floor, Bronx, NY 10455 24/7
- 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. [nyc.gov](https://www.nyc.gov/site/dycd/services/runaway-homeless-youth/borough-based-drop-in-centers.page) 209 West 125th Street, New York, NY 10027 Mon, Tue, Thu–Sun 10 am–6 pm
- 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. [nyc.gov](https://www.nyc.gov/site/dycd/services/runaway-homeless-youth/borough-based-drop-in-centers.page) 774 Rockaway Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 24/7
- 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. [nyc.gov](https://www.nyc.gov/site/dycd/services/runaway-homeless-youth/borough-based-drop-in-centers.page) 165-13 Jamaica Avenue, 2nd Floor, Jamaica, NY 11432 24/7
- 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. [nyc.gov](https://www.nyc.gov/site/dycd/services/runaway-homeless-youth/borough-based-drop-in-centers.page) 1600 Central Avenue, Far Rockaway, NY 11691 Mon–Thu 12–8 pm, Fri 11 am–7 pm, Sat 12–8 pm
- 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. [nyc.gov](https://www.nyc.gov/site/dycd/services/runaway-homeless-youth/borough-based-drop-in-centers.page) 27 Port Richmond Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10302 24/7

## Housing for young people

- 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. [(212) 206-0574](tel:2122060574), ext. 100 (in English) [aliforneycenter.org](https://www.aliforneycenter.org/get-help)
- 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. [aliforneycenter.org](https://www.aliforneycenter.org/get-help)
- 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. [(212) 629-7440](tel:2126297440), ext. 226 (in English) [mccny.org](https://www.mccny.org/mccnycharities.html) 446 West 36th Street, New York, NY 10018 365 days a year
- 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](https://www.door.org/housing/). [door.org](https://www.door.org/locations/)

## How to join the Hetrick-Martin Institute (HMI)

1. Check your age Ages 13 to 24. Free; you don't need to be in school or have a permanent address.
2. Write to them Send your name and phone number to join@hmi.org and they'll contact you.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.

## How to become a member of The Door

1. 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.
2. 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](https://door.org/membership), an email to membership@door.org, or a text to [(929) 357-0768](tel:9293570768).
3. Meet staff for the intake session Staff get to know you and suggest programs that fit. Free, no documents, language is no barrier.
4. 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.

## Free legal help for young people

- The Door, Legal Services Center Under 25 Free 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](tel:9292379538). In English, Spanish and French, with interpreters for other languages. [door.org](https://www.door.org/legalservices/)
- The LGBTQ+ Center, Free to be Youth Project Legal Clinic Under 25 Free 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. [gaycenter.org](https://gaycenter.org/youth/) 208 W 13 St, New York, NY 10011

## Doctors, testing and treatment for young people

- Callen-Lorde, HOTT (Health Outreach to Teens) Under 25 Low 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. [callen-lorde.org](https://callen-lorde.org/hott/) 356 West 18th Street, New York, NY 10011 Mon–Thu 10 am–5 pm, Fri 10 am–3 pm
- 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. Text: [833-569-0033](tel:8335690033) [door.org](https://www.door.org/transgender-health/)
- NYC Sexual Health Clinics Under 25 Low 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. [347-396-7959](tel:3473967959) (say "Russian" and an interpreter joins) [nyc.gov](https://www.nyc.gov/site/doh/services/sexual-health-clinics.page) information line: Mon–Fri 9 am–3:30 pm

## If you need to talk right now

- The Trevor Project Under 25 Free A free, confidential 24/7 crisis line for LGBTQ+ young people under 25: call, text (START to 678-678) or chat [on the website](https://www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help/). TTY: [1-866-803-3699](tel:18668033699). Calls, texts and chat are in English; for Russian, call [988](tel:988) and say "Russian": an interpreter joins. [1-866-488-7386](tel:18664887386) (in English) [thetrevorproject.org](https://www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help/) 24/7
- Trans Lifeline Under 25 Free 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](tel:988) and say "Russian": an interpreter joins. [(877) 565-8860](tel:8775658860) (in English and Spanish) [translifeline.org](https://translifeline.org/hotline/) Mon–Fri 1–9 pm Eastern

## Community and groups for young people

- The LGBTQ+ Center, youth programs Under 25 Free 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. [gaycenter.org](https://gaycenter.org/youth/) 208 W 13 St, New York, NY 10011
- 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. [qchnyc.org](https://www.qchnyc.org/programs/lgbtq-services/generation-q-youth-center) 107-20 71st Road, Forest Hills, NY 11375 Tue–Fri 3–7 pm
- 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. [pridecentersi.org](https://www.pridecentersi.org/) 66 Willow Ave, Suite 202, Staten Island, NY 10305 Wed 10 am–6 pm, Thu 10 am–8 pm, Fri–Sat 10 am–6 pm

## Glossary: definitions of special terms and abbreviations

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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.

[All pages: LGBTQ+ services](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/lgbtq/)

**Sources, checked November 2026**

- [gaycenter.org](https://gaycenter.org/)
- [pridecentersi.org](https://www.pridecentersi.org/)
- [callen-lorde.org](https://callen-lorde.org/)
- [nyc.gov/site/doh/services/sexual-health-clinics.page](https://www.nyc.gov/site/doh/services/sexual-health-clinics.page)
- [aliforneycenter.org/get-help](https://www.aliforneycenter.org/get-help)
- [nyc.gov/site/dycd/services/runaway-homeless-youth/borough-base…](https://www.nyc.gov/site/dycd/services/runaway-homeless-youth/borough-based-drop-in-centers.page)
- [mccny.org](https://www.mccny.org/)
- [mccny.org/mccnycharities.html](https://www.mccny.org/mccnycharities.html)
- [gaycenter.org/youth](https://gaycenter.org/youth/)
- [qchnyc.org/programs/lgbtq-services/generation-q-youth-center](https://www.qchnyc.org/programs/lgbtq-services/generation-q-youth-center)
- [callen-lorde.org/hott](https://callen-lorde.org/hott/)
- [door.org/rhy](https://www.door.org/rhy/)
- [door.org/locations](https://www.door.org/locations/)
- [door.org/legalservices](https://www.door.org/legalservices/)
- [door.org/transgender-health](https://www.door.org/transgender-health/)
- [thetrevorproject.org/get-help](https://www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help/)
- [translifeline.org/hotline](https://translifeline.org/hotline/)
- [door.org/membership](https://www.door.org/membership/)