About This Page
This page provides housing and unhoused support resources for CUNY students and LGBTQIA+ community members, including emergency shelters, affirming housing programs, campus support services, and long-term assistance resources. LGBTQIA+ individuals—especially queer and transgender youth—face higher rates of housing instability due to discrimination, family rejection, financial insecurity, and limited access to inclusive services. This page is designed to help students find safe, affirming housing options and understand how to access support more easily.
CUNY Housing & Basic Needs Resources
The Percy Ellis Sutton SEEK Program and College Discovery Program
Programs available on many CUNY campuses that may assist students with:
- Emergency referrals
- Academic and financial support
- Student advocacy
- Wellness referrals
- Connections to campus services
These programs can be especially supportive for low-income, first-generation, LGBTQIA+, and marginalized students.
Emergency Housing & Shelters
Covenant House New York
Location: 460 W 41st St, Manhattan
Phone number: (212) 613-0300
- Ages: Typically 16–24
- 24/7 emergency shelter for youth experiencing homelessness
- LGBTQIA+-affirming and trauma-informed care
- Free housing, healthcare, counseling, and support services
NYC Shelter System (General Entry Points)
- Services available for adults, families, and youth
- Temporary housing and shelter placement
- Case management and referrals available through intake centers
LGBTQIA+ Affirming Housing Program
Ali Forney Center
- Ages: 16–24
- Emergency and transitional housing for LGBTQ+ youth
- Mental health support, healthcare referrals, and job readiness services
- Waitlists may apply depending on availability
New Alternatives for LGBTQ+ Homeless Youth
Location: 410 W 40th St, Manhattan
- Walk-in support available
- No ID or referral required
- Meals, counseling, and housing referrals
- Judgment-free and low-barrier support environment
Housing Works
- Serves adults experiencing homelessness, including LGBTQIA+ individuals and people living with HIV/AIDS
- Supportive housing, healthcare, behavioral health, and case management services
Trans-Inclusive Housing Resources
VIP Community Services
- Ages: Adults and families (18+)
- Trans-friendly shelter and supportive housing assistance
Center for Urban Community Services
- Inclusive shelter for women and transgender individuals
- Housing support and case management services
Destination Tomorrow
Location: 452 E 149th St, Bronx
Phone number: (646) 723-3325
- Housing referrals and LGBTQIA+ support programming
- Youth and adult services available depending on program eligibility
How to Access Housing Support
Students seeking housing assistance may need to:
- Identify programs based on age and eligibility
- Contact organizations directly or attend intake hours
- Complete an intake assessment if required
- Receive referrals, placement, or additional support services
Some programs allow walk-ins without documentation, while others may require appointments or have waitlists.
Barriers to Access
Students may still face barriers such as:
- Limited LGBTQIA+-affirming housing options
- Long wait times for youth programs
- Documentation or intake requirements
- Safety concerns in non-inclusive shelters
- Financial insecurity
- Lack of centralized information about available services
These barriers can delay access to stable housing and increase vulnerability for LGBTQIA+ students and unhoused individuals.
