By Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine Staff

In the heart of New York City, where the hustle and clamor of urban life often drown out the cries of the unseen, the Ali Forney Center (AFC) stands as a sanctuary and a lifeline for LGBTQ+ and at-risk youth experiencing homelessness. Founded in 2002 by Carl Siciliano in memory of gender-nonconforming youth Ali Forney, the center has grown from six beds in a church basement to become the largest organization of its kind in the nation. Today, it serves over 2,000 young people annually with dignity, empathy, and a mission rooted in empowerment.

The Spark That Ignited a Movement

Ali Forney’s life and tragic death galvanized a movement. Forced to live on the streets at 13, Ali was known not just for surviving, but for caring, educating peers on HIV prevention, advocating for justice, and fiercely protecting chosen family. When Ali was murdered in 1997 at just 22, their death underscored the dangers queer youth face on the streets. Carl Siciliano, who had worked with Ali, channeled that loss into purpose, creating a space where no LGBTQ+ young person would feel abandoned or voiceless again.

More Than Shelter: A Continuum of Care

AFC’s mission is simple yet profound: to protect LGBTQ+ youth from the harms of homelessness and empower them with the tools to live independently. But the execution is nothing short of extraordinary.

From the moment a young person steps through AFC’s 24-hour Drop-In Center doors, they are met with warmth and respect. Medical checkups, HIV testing, hot meals, showers, clean clothes, and mental health support are just the beginning. AFC’s philosophy centers around trust, building it first, so healing and transformation can follow.

The Drop-In Center, located in Midtown Manhattan and accessible via public transit, is open seven days a week and was the first of its kind to offer round-the-clock care to LGBTQ+ youth in crisis. It’s not just a refuge; it’s a launchpad for stability, growth, and hope.

Building Foundations

With six emergency housing sites offering 66 beds and a transitional housing program featuring 76 beds across Manhattan and Brooklyn, AFC gives youth more than just a place to sleep, it offers home-like environments where they can begin to rebuild their lives. In transitional housing, residents receive individualized support through two-year case plans, employment and educational guidance, and LIFE Coaches who mentor them toward independence.

Yet demand continues to outpace capacity. The emergency housing waitlist often exceeds 200 young people, a sobering testament to the ongoing housing crisis within the LGBTQ+ community.

Preparing for the Future

AFC’s commitment to empowerment doesn’t end with housing. Through Unity Works and the LEAP program, youth are equipped with the education and job readiness skills necessary for long-term success. Whether it’s preparing for the GED (TASC), mastering budgeting and time management, or participating in paid internships, AFC provides a structured path to independence. Impressively, 99% of transitional housing residents are employed and 77% are enrolled in school—numbers that speak to the power of support and belief.

Recognizing the link between health and stability, AFC partners with the Institute for Family Health and Care for the Homeless to provide on-site primary care and psychiatric services. Youth have access to daily HIV and Hepatitis C testing, STI treatment, PrEP/PEP resources, contraception, and insurance enrollment. The model is holistic, trauma-informed, and rooted in affirming care.

Expanding the Movement

Beyond New York, AFC is helping others replicate its model of success. Its annual Model Replication Conference gathers service providers from around the world to learn from AFC’s experience, fostering a global network dedicated to ending LGBTQ+ youth homelessness. The center is catalyzing systemic change far beyond the five boroughs by sharing tools, training, and advocacy strategies.

With over 70,000 meals served annually and a lean operating budget that channels nearly 85% of revenue directly to programming, AFC exemplifies what effective, mission-driven work looks like. The organization’s excellence hasn’t gone unnoticed: Founder Carl Siciliano was named a White House Champion of Change by President Obama, and AFC continues to be a national leader in LGBTQ+ youth advocacy and care.

A Legacy That Lives On

Though Ali Forney’s killer was never brought to justice, their spirit endures in every life saved and every youth empowered through the work of the center that bears their name. What began as a tribute to one life lost has become a beacon for thousands of others, and a promise that no queer youth should ever have to face the world alone.

As our community continues to fight for equality, safety, and inclusion, the Ali Forney Center reminds us of what’s possible when compassion is coupled with action. Their work is not only saving lives, it’s changing them.

Want to support AFC? Visit www.aliforneycenter.org to learn more, donate, or become a volunteer. Together, we can ensure that LGBTQ+ youth everywhere have the future they deserve.

This article was originally published in the 2025 Arts & Entertainment Issue of Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine, and can be read in its original format here.