Get Help

Are you seeking assistance?

If you are seeking assistance, please contact us at: 212.206.0574 or

stop by our Harlem Drop-in Center:* 321 W. 125th Street New York, NY 10027

(take the A/C/B/D train to 125th Street)

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*We are open for new intakes Monday-Friday from 8 AM - 8 PM and Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM - 6 PM.

(However, we are closed to clients on Wednesday from 12 PM - 4PM for staff meetings.)

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AFC is the nation’s largest and most comprehensive organization dedicated to homeless LGBTQ+ youth. Our goal is to provide homeless LGBTQ+ youths, aged 16-24, with the support and services they need to escape the streets and begin to live healthy and independent lives.

Wondering what to expect?

The AFC Drop-in Center, located in the Harlem section of Manhattan, is the entry point to our programs and services for homeless LGBTQ+ youth, though you may have encountered an AFC outreach worker on the streets beforehand.

At the Drop-in Center, you will complete an Intake and then be connected to your own case manager, who will help you with any services you need. You can be referred to our housing programs or provided information on other housing options.

We offer three meals a day, showers, clothing, and hygiene supplies at the center. You can also get free HIV tests, primary medical care, therapy and psychiatric services, and employment and education assistance. Support groups are run throughout the day focusing on the issues facing LGBTQ+ youth.

AFC Emergency Housing Program

AFC offers a scattered-site emergency housing program with housing sites in Queens and Brooklyn. We offer temporary housing in safe, staff-supervised, homelike apartments. LGBTQ+ youth are able to reside in our emergency housing program for up to six months while we assist them in moving on to more permanent housing. Currently, AFC has six emergency housing apartments and a total of 66 beds.

You can get more information on how to get a bed in our emergency housing program by coming to our Harlem Drop-in Center to do an Intake or by calling 212.206.0574.

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AFC Trans Housing

In the fall of 2015, we opened AFC’s first transgender housing program. This 18-bed housing program is located in a safe Brooklyn neighborhood and provides stabilizing housing for AFC transfemale and transmasculine clients age 16-20 for up to 18 months. This program is a hybrid between our Emergency and Transitional Housing program that addresses the specific concrete and emotional needs of our trans clients in a safe, affirming environment. We help connect these clients to the resources needed at our Drop-In Center to become secure, independent adults. 

AFC Transitional Housing

The Transitional Housing Program currently offers housing to 42 youth in apartments in Brooklyn and Manhattan. The residents are able to live in one of our six different transitional housing programs for up to two years, while we assist them in maintaining employment and continuing their education. We place a great deal of emphasis on preparing residents to live independently. Our goal is that our residents, upon graduation from this program, will move on to their own apartments.

 

You can get more information on how to get a bed in our transitional housing program through your AFC case manager or by calling 212.206.0574.

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Resources for Families

PFLAG

PFLAG ( https://www.pflag.org/) is the largest organization in the nation offering support to parents, families, and friends of LGBT persons. They have numerous local chapters around the country where parents can find information and the support of other parents of LGBT children.



The Tyler Clementi Foundation

The Tyler Clementi Foundation's ( https://tylerclementi.org/) mission is to end online and offline bullying in schools, workplaces, and faith communities. The Tyler Clementi Foundation was founded by the Clementi family to prevent bullying through inclusion and the assertion of dignity and acceptance as a way to honor the memory of Tyler: a son, a brother, and a friend.



The Family Acceptance Project

The Family Acceptance Project (http://familyproject.sfsu.edu/) of the University of San Francisco has conducted invaluable research on the ways in which parental acceptance of LGBT youth impacts the health and safety of LGBT youth.



Maryville University Guide for LGBTQ Students

Maryville University Guide for LGBTQ Students (https://online.maryville.edu/blog/college-guide-for-lgbtq-students/) is a guide that explains some basic terminology used by the LGBTQ community and provides tips for choosing a college that has adequate LGBTQ support. It also covers college application information and lists scholarships that are available to LGBTQ students.



LGBTQ and Addiction Center

LGBTQ and Addiction Center (https://www.addictioncenter.com/Addiction/lgbtq/) Since 2014, Addiction Center has been an informational web guide for those who are struggling with substance use disorders and co-occurring behavioral and mental health disorders. Rates of drug abuse and addiction in the LGBTQ community are disturbingly higher than those of other groups. Discrimination, societal pressures, and co-occurring disorders are just a few potential triggers for drug abuse in this population.



Resources by State

Our drop-in center and housing programs in NYC provide wraparound services – from crisis counseling and emergency food to emergency and transitional housing. Here is a list of other organizations offering direct services in other areas of the country.

 

Visit Healthline’s LGBTQIA Safe Sex Guide for information about LGBTQIA safer sex practices. You can find the guide by clicking here.

Arkansas

LUCIE'S PLACE, LITTLE ROCK, AK Phone: 1-855-LuciesP (1-855-582-4377) Lucie's Place is a dream in response to the nightmare that is many young Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender & Queer (LGBTQ) people's lives. The board of Lucie's Place is working to open a long-term transitional shelter in the Central Arkansas area, which will be open specifically to LGBTQ-identified young adults.



California

LOS ANGELES LESBIAN & GAY CENTER (Jeff Griffith Youth Center/Kruks Tilsner Transitional Living Program) Phone: 323-993-7501 The Jeff Griffith Youth Center (JGYC) is a safe place for LGBT youth and those that LOVE them. At JGYC, homeless LGBT youth, ages 14-24, can access services that help the youth to become self-sufficient and empowered adults. The JGYC Drop-In provides at-will services seven days a week including three meals per day, a GED program, clothing, showers, laundry, Career Development, Case Management, educational groups, and much more. JGYC is also the access point for the Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Center’s Emergency Overnight program for homeless LGBT youth ages 18 through 24. The Jeff Griffith Youth Center is open Monday through Friday, 8:30am through 5:30pm and Saturday and Sunday, 8:30am through 4:30pm. SAN DIEGO LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, TRANSGENDER COMMUNITY CENTER YOUTH HOUSING PROJECT Phone: 619-692-2077
Fax: 619-260-3092 Contact: Dana Toppel The Youth Housing project provides 23 units of affordable, supportive housing for youth between 18-24 years of age, with a special focus on LGBTQ+ youth who are currently transitioning out of foster care and/or group homes, or living in the streets. LARKIN STREET YOUTH SERVICES (SAN FRANCISCO) Phone: 415-673-0911
Fax: 415-749-3838 Contact: Ed Melendez ext: 246 Larkin Street Youth Services is the only organization providing the full spectrum of services needed to help San Francisco's most vulnerable youth move beyond life on the street. We offer a range of housing options - from emergency shelter to permanent supportive housing — in addition to essential wraparound services including education, technology and employment training; healthcare, including mental health, substance abuse and HIV services; and case management. THE ARK OF REFUGE (SAN FRANCISCO) YOUNG ADULT HOMELESS PROGRAMS Phone: 415-861-6566 Fax: 415-861-6103 Contact: Eric Politzer The goal of the Ark House it to assist homeless LGBTQ young adults with stabilizing their lives and establishing greater health and independence through a clean, safe and supportive congregate living environment, on-site counseling, and referrals to a network of supportive services. DRUGREHAB.COM 24/7 Help Number: 877-589-4784 DrugRehab.com is a web resource provided and funded by Advanced Recovery Systems (ARS). Since 2015, the website has provided researched, fact-based resources for free. Readers can learn about the risks of various substances, the latest approaches to treatment and real stories of recovery on DrugRehab.com. Substance use disorders have a more significant effect on LGBTQ+ people than on the heterosexual population, with alcohol being the most commonly abused substance. DrugRehab.com has created an LGBTQ+ and Addiction and an Alcohol Addiction page that has informative information for the community.



Colorado

RAINBOW ALLEY 303-831-0442
Contact: Catherine O'Boyle Rainbow Alley is a drop-in center designed to support LGBT youth and their allies ages 12-21.Our facility is a warm and welcoming environment, complete with supportive adults and youth. The Alley provides health services, counseling and referral, youth-lead events and activities, and life resources in a safe and supportive space. URBAN PEAKS (COLORADO SPRINGS) Phone: 719-630-3223
Fax: 719-630-3250
Contact: Natalie Paynter Urban Peaks helps young people overcome homelessness and other real-life challenges by providing safety, respect, essential services and a supportive community, empowering them to become self-reliant adults.



Florida

ALSO OUT YOUTH (SARASOTA) 941-951-2576(Office)
941-252-2576 (Pager) Contact: Becky McDonough ALSO Out Youth provides peer support services, social activities, educational programs and workshops, advocacy, and referrals for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and questioning youth ages 13 to 21, their families and friends, and the community, thereby enhancing self-esteem, promoting healthy dialogue, and increasing awareness of sexual minority youth issues.



Georgia

CHRIS KIDS RAINBOW PROJECT (ATLANTA) Phone: 404-486-9034
Fax: 404-486-9053 Contact: Rico Amu The CHRIS Kids Rainbow Program provides a safe and supportive residence for homeless and runaway gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth. Rainbow is a transitional living life skills program for homeless and runaway sexual minority youth that provides both services and referrals. Life and job skills training are provided as youth become connected with a variety of community resources such as counseling, medical and legal services and volunteer opportunities. LOST-N-FOUND YOUTH, INC. (ATLANTA) Phone: 678-856-7825 info@lost-n-found.org Lost-n-Found Youth, Inc. is an Atlanta-based nonprofit corporation whose mission is to take homeless lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youths off the street and transition them into more permanent housing arrangements. Lost-n-Found is the only organization in Atlanta actively taking Atlanta's homeless LGBT youth directly off the streets.



Wisconsin

PROJECT Q (MILWAUKEE) Phone: 414.223.3220
Fax: 414.271.2161 Contact: Kurt Dyer Project Q a wide variety of youth drop-in activities are currently scheduled throughout the week. Activities include art, discussion groups, poetry readings, movie nights, dances & Drag Shows. Drop-In activities are designed to ensure safety, accessibility and comfort for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, questioning youth and their straight allies. We run Milwaukee's First and Only LGBT Youth Drop-In Center. Project Q's LGBT Youth Drop-In Center operates a coffee bar, youth library, four computer work stations, lounge area with TV, VCR, and cable, and plenty of peer/adult support.



Washington

LAMBERT HOUSE (SEATTLE) Phone: 206-322-2515 Contact Person: Ben @ ext 811 Lambert House is a safe place for queer youth ages 22 and under. Our calendar is packed with fun activities, support groups, planning meetings, dances, and other events. We are here to make life better for each other as GLBTQ youth. The drop-in center is open Mon-Sat 4-9:30. PEACE FOR THE STREETS BY KIDS FROM THE STREETS (SEATTLE) (206) 726-8500 PSKS provides support and services to Seattle’s youth and young adults experiencing or at-risk of homelessness. Our committed efforts are targeted at providing stepping stones to transition youth and young adults from the streets to self-sufficiency and productive roles in the community. YOUTHCARE (SEATTLE) Phone: (206) 694-4500 CONTACT: John Voakes, Manager of Over-18 Residential Programs Seattle’s YouthCare operates several emergency shelter and housing programs for homeless and/or at-risk youth, ages 12-25, including ISIS House, a transitional living program specifically designed to help LGBTQ youth (and allies) ages 18-21 find a way off of the streets and into increased independence. All of YouthCare’s housing programs provide youth with stability, skills, and ultimately self-sufficiency, and each location offers mental health and chemical dependency services; life skills education; employment and education counseling; and an opportunity to learn and grow in a safe and secure community. YouthCare’s drop-in center, the James W. Ray Orion Center, is located in downtown Seattle at the corner of Denny and Stewart Avenues, and provides meals, case management, hygiene supplies, clothing, and resource referrals to homeless youth ages 13-22.



Vermont

SPECTRUM YOUTH & FAMILY SERVICES (BURLINGTON) Phone: 802-864-5396 ext 422 Contact: Patrick Deleon Spectrum Youth and Family Services is a community-based social service agency committed to working with Vermont youth and families to improve their lives through advocacy, direct service, and a continuum of support in order to work toward a more just and compassionate community.



Utah

VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA (SALT LAKE CITY) Phone: 801-364-0744 Contact: Theresa Stocks HYRC runs a 3-part program for homeless youth, and about 30% of the youth it serves report being LGBTQ. Our programs include a drop-in center which provides basic needs, such as food, clothing, and showers, to youth ages 15-22 who don't have a stable place to live. Another program is a street outreach program, which heavily targets reaching young male prostitutes, many of whom identify as gay or bisexual. The third component is a transitional living program. Many of the youth in this program are either aging out of foster care or have already aged out. The age range is 16-19.



Texas

OUT YOUTH Phone: 512-419-1233 Info@outyouth.org Out Youth serves the Central Texas LGBTQIA (lesbian/gay/bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex) youth and their allies with programs and services to ensure these promising young people develop into happy, healthy, successful adults. Founded in 1990, Out Youth has grown and changed over the past 24 years, but we’ve always retained our most important facet – providing a safe space for LGBTQIA youth to come together and receive support, and make friends who understand who they are. THRIVE YOUTH CENTER, SAN ANTONIO Phone: 210.212.2935 Our mission is to provide a safe and supportive center for homeless LGBTQ youth so they may become productive, skilled, educated, and successful adults with the ability, opportunity, and possibility of achieving their dreams. THE WAY HOME Harris County, Texas
http://www.thewayhomehouston.org/partners/



Indiana

INDIANA YOUTH GROUP (INDIANAPOLIS) Phone: 317-541-8726 ext. 224 Contact: Gary W. Nelson IYG provides a safe place, a confidential environment, youth development programs and support services which foster personal strength and wellness among self-identified lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender young people. IYG advocates on their behalf in schools, on the streets, and in the community.



Illinois

OPEN DOOR YOUTH CENTER (BLOOMINGTON) Phone: 309-827-2437 Cell: 309-760-1213 Contact: Berry T. Stevenson The Open Door Youth Center is a safe place for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth age 13 - 19 and their supportive friends. We are open every Friday night from 7:30 pm - 10:30 pm TEEN LIVING PROGRAMS Phone: 773-548-4443, ext. 28
Fax: 773-548-4697 Contact: Dr. Ozella R. Phillips Teen Living Programs' mission is to create hope and opportunity for youth who are homeless by assisting them to permanently leave the streets, secure stable housing, and build self-sufficient, satisfying lives. We offer housing, job training, educational support, mental health counseling, holistic health care, and life skills training to youth ages 12 to 24 within a community of professional and passionate support. About half of the youth we serve identify as LGBTQ. CHICAGO, ILLINOIS BROADWAY YOUTH CENTER Multiple locations
http://howardbrown.org/wp/byc/ THE NIGHT MINISTRY www.thenightministry.org/
For shelter:
Toll Free: 1.877.286.2523 (24 hrs.)
Local: 773.506.4100 (24 hrs.)



Transgender Resources

Legal Services

 

Employment

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Support & Community

Health

Emergency Mental Health Resources

If you are seeking immediate assistance, please contact us at 212-206-0574. We are open to new and returning intakes. To schedule an intake right away, contact our Intake Team: Shawnell, Intake Coordinator, and Victoriah, Program Assistant at intakes@aliforneycenter.org or call 212-206-0574.

 

Due to COVID-19, we are currently open 10 am - 6 pm for services Monday to Sunday. You can also schedule an intake by stopping by the Drop-In Center between those hours.

 

Here are additional mental health organizations: