Houston opens first emergency shelter for LGBTQ+ youth

LGBTQ+ advocates in Houston have launched Asia’s House, the city’s first temporary emergency shelter specifically for queer and trans youth aged 15 to 17. The initiative is a partnership between the Montrose Center and Grace Place, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting homeless youth in the region.

The shelter was created to address a gap in services for older teenagers who may be too old for existing youth shelters but are not yet adults. It provides up to six beds, with each resident having their own bedroom to ensure a trans-affirming environment. In addition to housing, residents can access on-site services including tutoring, employment skills training, counseling, and case management.

Organizers noted that an estimated 10,000 young people between the ages of 15 and 17 in the Houston area lack stable housing on any given night, with approximately 40% identifying as LGBTQ+. The shelter aims to provide safety for those fleeing unsupportive or hazardous living situations. Access to the facility will be facilitated through referrals, street outreach, and a 24-hour hotline.