August 13, 2025 NEW YORK, NY – In a historic move, New York City has opened its first-ever shelter dedicated exclusively to transgender and gender-nonconforming people experiencing homelessness. The 150-bed facility, Ace’s Place, is the first of its kind in the nation and offers a comprehensive slate of services designed to provide stability and support in a safe environment.

Located in Long Island City, Queens, the shelter is a collaboration between the city and Destination Tomorrow, a Bronx-based LGBTQ nonprofit. The city has committed $65 million to keep the facility operational through 2030, a testament to its commitment to supporting a vulnerable community often left behind.

More Than Just a Bed: A Holistic Approach to Care

Ace's Place is more than just a place to sleep. It’s designed as a sanctuary where residents can access the tools they need to get back on their feet. In addition to transitional housing, the facility offers a wide range of on-site services, including:

• Psychiatric care and medical referrals
• Job training and financial literacy workshops
• GED and culinary classes
• Counseling and life skills workshops

Sean Ebony Coleman, the founder and CEO of Destination Tomorrow, emphasized the significance of the city's investment, telling Gothamist, "The city is keeping in line with what New York City has always been, a sanctuary city, a safe haven, but more importantly, a trendsetter when it comes to LGBTQ rights."

A Lawsuit Paves the Way for Change

The creation of Ace's Place is a direct result of a landmark lawsuit filed by Mariah Lopez, a transgender woman who alleged discrimination and harassment while seeking housing at a city-run LGBTQ shelter. Lopez’s case highlighted the significant challenges and dangers transgender individuals face within the shelter system.

Her lawsuit claimed that after being admitted to a shelter with her service dog following a federal court order, she experienced verbal and sexual abuse from staff. Her subsequent transfer to facilities unequipped to serve transgender people ultimately forced her back onto the streets.

The settlement required the city to create new facilities or reserve beds specifically for transgender and gender-nonconforming people. These spaces had to meet the specific needs of trans residents, including accommodating service animals and ensuring access to essential medications.

Addressing a Crisis in the Community

The opening of Ace's Place comes at a critical time. Studies consistently show that transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals are at a significantly higher risk of homelessness than their cisgender peers. The 2022 U.S. Trans Survey revealed that nearly one in three trans people in the U.S. have experienced homelessness at some point in their lives.

This community faces immense barriers to housing and social services, often due to widespread discrimination. A 2020 study further highlighted that transgender people experiencing homelessness face higher rates of mental health challenges, often linked to the physical and sexual violence they endure while living on the streets.

Department of Social Services Commissioner Molly Wasow Park underscored the shelter's importance, stating, "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.”

With Ace's Place, New York City is taking a critical step toward creating a safer, more equitable future for its most vulnerable residents.