Ace’s Place: A Home of Safety, Healing & Affirmation for Trans Communities

At the HEAT Program, we believe everyone deserves a safe space to be seen, heard, and supported. That’s why we celebrated the opening of Ace’s Place, the nation’s first publicly funded homeless shelter designed specifically for transgender and gender-diverse people.

Located in Long Island City, Queens, Ace’s Place is more than a shelter; it promises dignity and hope for a community that has too often been left without support.

Why This Matters

Transgender and gender-diverse people face some of the highest rates of homelessness in the country. Many avoid traditional shelters out of fear of discrimination or lack of safety. Ace’s Place was created to change that story.

For the first time in New York City, trans people experiencing homelessness will have a dedicated, affirming, and healing-centered space that not only provides housing but also pathways to long-term stability.

What Ace’s Place Offers

• Safe Housing: 150 beds, including private single rooms, designed with comfort and safety in mind.

• Mental Health Care: On-site clinical support and a psychiatric nurse practitioner available for residents.

• Life Skills & Empowerment: Programs in job training, education, financial literacy, and wellness to help residents build strong futures.

• Community Care: A trans-led model operated by Destination Tomorrow, ensuring that leadership and services reflect the voices of those most impacted.

A Legacy of Love

The shelter is named after the late mother of Sean Ebony Coleman, founder of Destination Tomorrow. “Ace’s Place” honors her spirit while creating a lasting legacy for trans people who deserve the same love, care, and stability every family should provide.

How This Connects to HEAT’s Mission

At HEAT, we know that health goes beyond medical care. Safe housing, affirming spaces, and supportive services are critical to physical and emotional well-being. Just like Ace’s Place, HEAT’s programs are built on the values of equity, compassion, and empowerment for LGBTQIA+ youth of color and young people living with or at risk for HIV.

Moving Forward Together

Ace’s Place is a beacon of what’s possible when communities and government create lasting solutions. It’s a reminder that affirming care saves lives—and that healing begins with safety, dignity, and love.

We’re proud to stand in solidarity with this groundbreaking initiative and will continue to work daily to ensure that Brooklyn’s young people have the care, respect, and resources they deserve.

Interested in Applying or Learning More?

If you or someone you know could benefit from the services at Ace’s Place, the best first step is to connect directly with the shelter’s operator, Destination Tomorrow, a Bronx-based LGBTQ+ nonprofit. You can email sweetz@destinationtomorrow.org for intake details and eligibility information. The NYC Department of Social Services (DSS) can also be reached at press@dss.nyc.gov. While formal intake procedures may be coordinated through NYC’s shelter system, Destination Tomorrow can provide the most accurate guidance. Ace’s Place offers safety, dignity, and support, so don’t hesitate to reach out and learn how to access this affirming resource.

✨ Learn more about HEAT’s programs and how we create safer futures for LGBTQIA+ youth at www.heatprogram.org.