New York City pioneers first city-funded shelter for trans and gender-nonconforming people

New York City has launched the nation's first city-funded shelter specifically dedicated to serving the transgender and gender-nonconforming community. Located in Long Island City, Queens, the shelter, named Ace's Place, will be operated by Destination Tomorrow, a respected Bronx-based LGBTQ+ nonprofit.

Ace’s Place, with a capacity of 150 individuals, significantly expands the city’s resources for this vulnerable population. As reported by Advocate, The shelter's name honors the late mother of Destination Tomorrow's founder and CEO, Sean Ebony Coleman, whose nickname was Ace. This initiative builds upon the city's existing commitment to providing shelter beds for transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals, ensuring housing placements align with their gender identity. The city has allocated $65 million to fund Ace's Place through 2030.

“We’ve watched so many other corporations and foundations and businesses just like completely turn their back on the community, and the city didn’t do it,” said Coleman. He emphasized the importance of the shelter's opening, especially "at a time when trans Americans are under attack." Coleman, who is transmasculine, praised New York City for upholding its reputation as “a sanctuary city, a safe haven, but more importantly, a trendsetter when it comes to LGBTQ rights.”

National data reveals the urgent need for such resources, with nearly a third of transgender Americans experiencing homelessness at some point in their lives. Molly Wasow Park, commissioner of the city’s Department of Social Services, acknowledged the unique challenges faced by this population, citing factors such as "being kicked out of the home or discrimination in the employment market."

Ace’s Place aims to provide a supportive and affirming environment for its residents. Coleman envisions it as "an opportunity for you to come home and for you to get loved up on and get all of the things that you need to get right back out here and face this world." The shelter is committed to empowering residents and equipping them with the resources necessary to overcome challenges and thrive.