Frequently Asked Questions

Below you’ll find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions. If you don’t see the answer to your question, please contact us.

How can a homeless LGBTQ youth/young adult who needs shelter get into TPS?

Youth must be referred to TPS by their assigned social worker, case manager, case manager supervisor, or other representative within their referring social service organization. Please contact us. Applications must include a recent biopsychosocial assessment, a recent psychiatric evaluation and a recent negative tuberculosis (PPD) test for the individual being referred. Referrals can be made at any time however due to the limited number of beds available at TPS, we do not always have space to accommodate new residents. Considering the very high volume of referrals we receive, we are not able to maintain a formal waiting list yet encourage referring parties to routinely inquire via email of bed availability. Self-referrals are not accepted.

What ages are the youth/young adults whom TPS houses?

Youth and young adults between the ages of 18-24 are eligible to live at TPS.

How long can youth/young adults stay at TPS?

TPS is a housing shelter; residents are permitted to live at TPS for a duration of up to 18 months as long as residents continue to make identifiable progress toward their mutually-established independent living goals.

Can we host a fundraiser for TPS?

Yes, please! If you are interested in hosting a fundraiser for TPS, please contact us. Please provide background/biographical information about the organization and/or individuals intending to host the fundraiser, your vision and some details about the fundraising event. Thanks in advance for your interest in supporting TPS!

Do you accept clothing donations?

Yes, however the only clothing items we can accept are new socks, new winter hats, gloves and scarves. We cannot accept any other clothing donations.

Due to limited storage space we are unable to accept clothing donations other than the items listed above.

Alternatively, we always welcome donations in the form gifts cards to Target, TJMaxx, Payless Shoes, Burlington Coat Factory which helps ensure clothing items meet residents’ individualized needs.

How can I volunteer?

There are several ways that TPS relies on the effort and dedication of our volunteers:

Dinner Donor:

Each Monday at 9pm and Wednesday at 8:30pm, volunteers drop off dinner for our 10 young residents. The meal can be home cooked, store bought, or even take out.  Many of our volunteers collaborate with a friend or two for this. You must sign up in advance. Please contact us for a list of available dates.

How can my group/organization volunteer?

Groups and organizations can volunteer at TPS in various ways e.g. participating in occasional on-site construction/“home improvement” projects, by cooking or donating a meal for shelter residents (please see details immediately above). Please contact us if you are interested in further discussing potential group/organization volunteer opportunities.

Can we visit the shelter?

To our residents, TPS is their home. Out of respect for their privacy, confidentiality and to ensure that our shelter space remains as comfortable for them as possible, we do not allow visitors while the youth are present. Thank you for your understanding.

I’d like to work at TPS. How can I submit a resume for an employment position at TPS?

Please contact us!

Can I interview, film, or photograph shelter residents for an article, documentary, research paper, etc?

Students or Interns:

No. While TPS fully supports the learning needs of students, our top priority is to preserve the safe space, privacy and confidentiality of our residents. We cannot accommodate journalism, film or photography students or interns for the purposes of interviews, filming, or photography.

Established Professional Media Outlets:

Please contact us. Due to the high volume of requests that we receive, out of respect for our residents’ privacy, confidentiality and in due to the limited capacity of our staff and volunteers, we are infrequently able to grant such a request outside of exceptional circumstances.
Why do you only house 10 youth/young adults?

Considering the nature of our physical shelter space e.g. the first floor of an existing church building, legally, we cannot house more than 10 youth/young adults.

Are donations tax-deductible?

Yes, TPS is a registered 501c3 non-profit organization. All donations to TPS are tax-deductible. Individuals can donate via the TPS website or can mail a check to: TPS, 164 West 100th Street, New York, NY 10025 (Note: For registration purposes, the TPS 501c3 is filed under “Trinity Community Connections” or TCC.)

Is Trinity Place Shelter a religious organization?

Trinity Place Shelter is not a religious organization. It is non-sectarian and there is no proselytizing of any kind.

Why is a Church Doing This?

Trinity Lutheran Church of Manhattan has long sought to be a community of welcome and full inclusion for all people regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, class, age, immigration status or sexual orientation. Trinity is also proud of its history of advocacy for LGBTQ rights within the church and the wider community.

Trinity Lutheran Church of Manhattan laments that mainstream religious bodies have been slow and reluctant to recognize and treat persons who identify as LGBTQ with full acceptance and respect. We are aware that those who cite religious reasons for their actions often treat LGBTQ persons with outright condemnation. Knowing that churches have contributed to this pain and oppression, we hope to contribute to liberation and healing through Trinity Place Shelter.

Trinity Place Shelter is not a religious organization. It is non-sectarian and there is no proselytizing of any kind. Church members are among those who generously volunteer time and donate money and other resources to support the shelter.