New York City announced that it will open a homeless shelter specifically for “transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC)” people.
The facility, called “Ace’s Place,” will offer 150 beds and is considered the country’s “first-ever city-funded shelter,” a news release explains. Ace’s Place, labeled a “landmark moment,” is intended to “strengthen New York City’s legacy as a sanctuary for the LGBTQ+ community.”
The program allows the city to stand as a “beacon of safety, dignity, and empowerment for TGNC community members navigating housing insecurity,” the release explained. “This program will employ innovative approaches to support shelter residents, including a culinary arts program, taking advantage of Destination Tomorrow’s two state-of-the-art commercial kitchens.”
Joslyn Carter, the Department of Homeless Services Administrator, “New York City has long been a leader in advancing LGBTQ+ rights and protections, and we’re proud to continue that tradition with the opening of the nation’s first city-funded shelter dedicated to supporting transgender individuals.”
“We’re thrilled to celebrate this milestone alongside Sean Ebony Coleman of Destination Tomorrow, whose tireless advocacy for transgender New Yorkers has been instrumental in creating real, lasting support for those experiencing homelessness in the community,” Carter said.
Department of Social Services Commissioner Molly Wasow Park said the development is “historic” and “strongly affirms” the city’s “values and commitment to strengthening the safety net for transgender New Yorkers” at a time when their rights are “under attack.”
“Ace’s Place will offer Transgender New Yorkers a safe place to heal and stabilize in trauma-informed settings with the support of staff who are deeply invested in their growth and wellbeing,” Park said. “We are grateful to have found an incredible partner in Destination Tomorrow, an organization that is rooted in serving the community and has invaluable expertise in addressing unique barriers to housing for TGNC New Yorkers.”
