Resources

Resources for LGBTQ Youth of New York City

The following list is a work in progress and your input is welcomed. To suggest a resource, please contact us.

Data, Research and Advocacy Resources:

• Basic Facts about Homelessness: New York City. 2015, from Coalition for the Homeless
• State of the Homeless 2014, from Coalition for the Homeless
• Worse than you think; The dimensions of poverty in NYC. 2014, from National Association of Social Workers, New York City Chapter
• Number Of Homeless Kids In NYC Spikes 63 Percent In 5 Years: Report. 2014, from Huffington Post
• The Forsaken: A Rising Number of Homeless Gay Teens Are Being Cast Out by Religious Families. 2014, from Rolling Stone
• 2013 National School Climate Survey: LGBT Students Experience Pervasive Harassment and Discrimination, But School-Based Resources and Supports Are Making a Difference, from Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Alliance (GLSEN)
• Serving Our Youth: Findings from a National Survey of Service Providers Working with LGBT Youth who are Homeless or At Risk of Becoming Homeless. 2012, from The Williams Institute
• Homeless LGBT Youth Statistics. 2012, from the Ali Forney Center
• All Our Children: Strategies to Prevent Homelessness, Strengthen Services and Build Support for LGBTQ Youth. 2010, from NYC Commission on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning Runaway and Homeless Youth
• National Recommended Best Practices for Serving LGBT Homeless Youth. 2009. From the National Alliance to End Homelessness
• A National Approach to Meeting the Needs of LGBTQ Homeless Youth. 2009, from the National Alliance to End Homelessness
• Homeless Youth Statistics and Facts, from SafeHorizon
• Suicidality among Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Youth: The Role of Protective Factors. 2006, from Journal of Adolescent Health

Homeless Services Resources

*these resources are listed for reference only. Trinity Place Shelter does not endorse and cannot recommend specific resources or organizations. Please contact us for more information. 

Healthcare/HIV

• Boom!Health:  Serving the Bronx area, BOOM!Health, provides syringe access, health coordination, behavioral health, housing, legal, advocacy and wellness services. 718.295.BOOM / 718.295.5605
• Callen-Lorde Community Health Center provides healthcare, as well as a dental care program, HIV-related services, transgender healthcare and their HOTT program that serves LGBTQ youth (13-24) at a low-cost or free basis. The also can assist with getting health insurance. 212-271-7200
• Gay Men of African Descent – offers a drop in center (10am-5pm), HIV and STD testing and education, mental health services, support groups, peer-education. 718-222-6300
• Harlem United: provides access to quality HIV/AIDS care and prevention by offering an array of programs and services including health care, care coordination, lgbt support groups and case management. 306 Lenox Ave, NYC, NY 10027 212-803-2850
• LGBTQ+ and Addiction Causes, Resources & Treatment  – is an in depth substance abuse guide from DrugRehab.com designed specifically for members of the LGBTQ+ community. Finding help with substance abuse can be difficult for LGBTQ+ members, as many other obstacles are prevalent along with the fight with addiction.
• Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center – free and comprehensive medical and mental health care — with an emphasis on reproductive health care — for youth ages 10 to 21.  Medical care includes routine/comprehensive physicals including vaccines, gynecological care, urgent issues including emergency contraception, PEP, STI treatments, HIV testing, and pregnancy evaluations. We provide birth control and certain antibiotics to youth free of charge. Psychological care includes immediate crisis intervention, mental health counseling, other counseling (e.g. substance use, family counseling) and case management services. Further, we offer Legal, Nutrition, and  Health education services. We have comprehensive medical and case management services for HIV positive youth. We also have a Teen Parent- Tot program where we see both the teen parent and their children together. Finally, we have insurance counselors to assist youth in applying for insurance. 212-423-3000
• Project STAY: provides comprehensive health services for high-risk and HIV-positive adolescents and young adults between the ages of 13 and 24. 610 W. 158th Street 1st floor; NYC, NY 10027 Email:: atc1@columbia.edu Phone: 646-284-9739
• S.A.F.E. ALTERNATIVES® treatment program helps people end self-injurious behavior. A treatment team of experts uses therapy, education, and support to empower clients to identify healthier ways to cope with emotional distress. The treatment focuses on empowering clients to make healthy choices, including the choice to not self-injure. 800-DONT-CUT 800-366-8288
• SingleMothersGrants helps financially disadvantaged families with finding assistance programs. The directory lists assistance programs that help with utility, energy, mortgage, rent, medication, education and medical bills.

Helplines, Lifelines and Hotlines

1800Runaway The National Runaway Switchboard provides crisis intervention, referrals to local resources, and education and prevention services to youth, families and community members throughout the country 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. NRS crisis hotline: 1-800-RUNAWAY.

www.1800RUNAWAY.org

S.A.F.E. ALTERNATIVES® treatment program helps people end self-injurious behavior. A treatment team of experts uses therapy, education, and support to empower clients to identify healthier ways to cope with emotional distress. The treatment focuses on empowering clients to make healthy choices, including the choice to not self-injure.

800-DONT-CUT

800-366-8288

Trans Lifeline –  a hotline staffed by transgender people for transgender people, a non-profit dedicated to the well being of transgender people.

(877) 565-8860

The Trevor Project.  suicide lifeline for gay, lesbian, transgender and questioning youth. 24-hour, toll free, confidential.

866-488-7386

Information and Resource Listings

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Health

• Resources for LGBTQ Youth and their Friends
• Resources for Educators and School Administrators
• Resources for Parents and Family Members

FTM Resource Guide – provides information on topics of interest to female-to-male (FTM, F2M) trans men, and their friends and loved ones. Non-trans men have also found the pages on men’s grooming and clothing to be helpful. Transsexual, non-transsexual, intersex, transgender, genderqueer, questioning, and “just plain folks” are all welcome.

The Gender Book – An illustrated book- similar to educational children’s books- with no age limit. All hand-drawn graphics and lots of color. It’s about 90 pages long, and will be readable in one sitting.

Gender Spectrum – provides an array of services to help youth, families, organizations and institutions understand and address concepts of gender identity and gender expression, including how societal, cultural, organizational and community definitions of gender can be detrimental to any young person that does not fit neatly into these categories.

Genderqueer Identities – The aim of Genderqueer and Non-Binary Identities is to provide awareness, information, and resources for genderqueer, non-binary, questioning, and gender non-conforming people and their allies.

The GIrls’ Guide To Homelessness

GLBT Near Me – Nationwide directory of LGBT services and programs

Inter/Act Youth – a youth program for intersex youth, run by intersex youth. All members are 14 – 25, have intersex conditions or DSD (differences of sex development), and are in a place where they are ready to speak out about their experiences.

“I Think I Might Be Transgender, Now What Do I Do?” A Brochure by and for Transgender Youth

LGBT Community Center of New York City – The Center fosters a welcoming environment where everyone is celebrated for who they are. We offer the LGBT communities of NYC health and wellness programs; arts, entertainment and cultural events; recovery, wellness, parenthood and family support services.

212.620.7310

LGBT Services and Resources Directory from the New York City Comptroller

Manhattan Community College Directory of Youth Shelters

NYC Community Board 4 Shelters, Food Pantries and Drop-ins

The Organisation Internationale des Intersexués – OII – global network of intersex organizations. OII has affiliates in twenty countries, on six continents, by and for intersex people, with a mission to attain human rights for intersex infants, children, and adults, particularly the right to bodily integrity and self-determination.

Resources for Homeless LGBT Youth in NYC from the Ali Forney Center

Resources related to sexuality, coming out, homlessness, HIV, sexual health, trans and gender identity, religion, coming out, and self-injury, provided by The Trevor Project

Runaway and Homeless Youth Programs by New York City

Runaway and Homeless Youth Programs by New York State

Trans Bodies, Trans Selves (Oxford University Press, 2014) is a resource guide for transgender populations, covering health, legal issues, cultural and social questions, history, theory, and more. It is a place for transgender and gender-questioning people, their partners and families, students, professors, guidance counselors, and others to look for up-to-date information on transgender life.

Trans Student Educational Resources – a youth-led organization dedicated to transforming the educational environment for trans and gender nonconforming students through advocacy and empowerment

The Trans Youth Equality Foundation provides education, advocacy and support for transgender and gender non-conforming children and youth and their families. Our mission is to share information about the unique needs of this community, partnering with families, educators and service providers to help foster a healthy, caring, and safe environment for all transgender children.

The World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) – an interdisciplinary professional and educational organization devoted to transgender health. Our professional, supporting, and student members engage in clinical and academic research to develop evidence-based medicine and strive to promote a high quality of care for transsexual, transgender, and gender-nonconforming individuals internationally.

You Are Not Alone A Handbook for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning Youth In New York City’s Foster Care System

Legal Help and Advocacy

Boom!Health:  Serving the Bronx area, BOOM!Health, provides syringe access, health coordination, behavioral health, housing, legal, advocacy and wellness services. 718.295.BOOM / 718.295.5605

Center for American Progress – Legal and Social LGBT Issues

Lawyers for Children – LFC’s LGBTQ Rights Project consists of two attorneys who collaborate with LFC’s highly skilled social workers on each of their cases. The objectives of the project are to: 1) assess the needs of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth in foster care; 2) develop and implement advocacy plans both for individual young people and for system-wide improvements; and to 3) inform LGBTQ youth in foster care of their rights through workshops and distribution of our You Are Not Alone handbook for LGBTQ youth in foster care, which includes a resource guide of programs and services specifically for LGBTQ youth.

New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG)  LGBT Law Project: exists to protect and expand the rights of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) community and to provide services that meet the unique legal needs of low-income LGBTQ New Yorkers.

212.613.5000 ext. 5107

Streetwise and Safe: builds and shares leadership, skills, knowledge and community among LGBTQ youth of color who experience gender-based violence and discriminatory policing practices, particularly in the context of the policing of poverty and homelessness.

The Sylvia Rivera Law Project (SRLP) works to guarantee that all people are free to self-determine their gender identity and expression, regardless of income or race, and without facing harassment, discrimination, or violence.

We provide free legal services to transgender, intersex and gender nonconforming low-income people and people of color. We represent and advise clients in a variety of contexts.

(212) 337-8550

Urban Justice:  a non-profit agency with a program dedicated to provide legal and advocacy services to LGBT youth.

646.602.5600

Shelters and Drop in Centers

Ali Forney Center: provides a continuum of care for LGBTQ homeless and runaway youth including a drop-in center, crisis shelter, transitional living program, case management, medical services, access to legal services and more.
321 West 125th Street, Manhattan, NY 10027

212-206-0574

Boom!Health:  Serving the Bronx area, BOOM!Health, provides syringe access, health coordination, behavioral health, housing, legal, advocacy and wellness services. 718.295.BOOM / 718.295.5605

Coalition for the Homeless – provides after school tutoring and summer camp for homeless youth

The Door provides young people in NYC with services including reproductive health care and education, mental health counseling and crisis assistance, legal assistance, GED and ESOL classes, tutoring and homework help, college preparation services, career development, job training and placement, supportive housing, sports and recreational activities, arts, and nutritious meals – all for free,

Gay Men of African Descent – offers a drop in center (10am-5pm), HIV and STD testing and education, mental health services, support groups, peer-education.

718-222-6300

Harlem Homeless Drop-In Center – 209 W. 125th. St.

212.695.2220

The Hetrick-Martin Institute serves lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth between the ages of 13 and 24.

Homeless services such as clothing, a metrocard, hot showers and laundry; daily hot meals, HIV/STI on-site testing, plus HSE & SAT preparation, college scholarships and job readiness.  Café HMI provides many young people with a hot nutritious meal they receive on a consistent basis. Outreach Homeless Services provides mental health screenings, emergency supplies of food & water and is instrumental in expediting copies of vital records to secure housing, employment or education for homeless youth.

Lower East Side Homeless Drop-In Center – Evening groups, daily syringe exchange

33 Essex St.

646.602.6404

Manhattan Community College Directory of Youth Shelters

New Alternatives –  providing case management, education services, life skills training, community-building recreational activities, opportunities for self-expression, and support services for HIV+ youth.

(718) 300-0133

Streetwork Project (Safehorizon.org) provides drop-in centers for homeless teens and young adults up to ages 24 in NYC offering meals, showers, clothing, wellness activities including acupuncture, yoga, and nutritional counseling, legal and medical assistance including help in obtaining Medicaid and other benefits, mental Health: psychiatric services, counseling, emergency and crisis housing and shelters. sexual Health Help: HIV prevention and counseling, parenting groups, help in obtaining identification.

800.708.6600

Social and Community Groups

Coalition for the Homeless – provides after school tutoring and summer camp for homeless youth

FIERCE is an LGBTQ youth of color-led organization. We build the leadership, political consciousness, and organizing skills of LGBTQ youth.  In New York City, we organize local grassroots campaigns to fight police harassment and violence and increased access to safe public space for LGBTQ youth.

Gay Men of African Descent – offers a drop in center (10am-5pm), HIV and STD testing and education, mental health services, support groups, peer-education.

718-222-6300

The Harvey Milk High School is an inclusive voluntary public high school focusing on the educational needs of children who are in crisis or at risk of physical violence and/or emotional harm in a traditional educational environment. Also has afterschool programs for students from other high schools so that they have a safe place too!

(212) 477-1555

Imperial Court of New York – made up of people from backgrounds representing a range of genders, ethnicities and sexualities, assume the roles of Lords and Ladies, Dukes and Duchesses, Princes and Princesses, and an Emperor and Empress — all enjoying the “camp” and “game” of court and royalty while raising much needed social awareness and monies for deserving charities on local, national and international levels.  One of 68 chapters of the international Court System and the second oldest LGBT fundraising organization in the country. ICS thrives throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. ( http://www.impcourt.org/)

LGBT Community Center of New York City – The Center fosters a welcoming environment where everyone is celebrated for who they are. We offer the LGBT communities of NYC health and wellness programs; arts, entertainment and cultural events; recovery, wellness, parenthood and family support services.

212.620.7310

Staten Island LGBT Community Center: The Staten Island LGBT Community Center creates a safe and welcoming space, offers comprehensive resources and provides empowering programs and events.

25 Victory Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10301
718-808-1360