Ali Forney Center’s C.A.M.P.: Carl Siciliano’s Vision for LGBTQ+ Youth Safety and Empowerment

In September 2025, the Ali Forney Center, under the leadership of founder Carl Siciliano, marked a watershed moment in LGBTQ+ youth advocacy with the expansion of C.A.M.P.—the nation’s first 24-hour drop-in center for homeless LGBTQ+ youth in New York City . This initiative has drawn national attention, not only for its innovative approach to addressing youth homelessness, but also for the powerful example it sets in championing dignity and equity for queer youth.

C.A.M.P. provides essential services including meals, showers, case management, and housing support, serving a population that has been historically marginalized and underserved. The importance of such a facility cannot be overstated: LGBTQ+ youth represent approximately 40% of the country's homeless youth population.

Carl Siciliano, a longtime advocate and founder of the Ali Forney Center, has dedicated his career to providing shelter and support for LGBTQ+ youth facing familial rejection, poverty, and cycles of instability. His leadership over the past two decades has transformed the Center into one of the largest and most effective organizations of its kind, offering both emergency assistance and long-term solutions for youth in crisis .

In 2025, Siciliano’s efforts reached new heights with the opening and funding of C.A.M.P. The center’s round-the-clock accessibility is unprecedented, allowing young people to access support at any hour, which is critical for those who may be fleeing unsafe situations or living without secure housing. With $432,000 in new city funding secured by New York City Council Member Erik Bottcher—himself a prominent LGBTQ+ leader—the initiative is poised to serve hundreds of youth annually, strengthening the safety net for the community’s most vulnerable members .

C.A.M.P. distinguishes itself by offering an array of holistic services designed to address the complex needs of homeless LGBTQ+ youth:

- Safe Shelter: Emergency beds and overnight accommodations protect youth from the dangers of street homelessness .
- Meals and Hygiene Facilities: Regular access to nourishing food and showers supports basic health and dignity.
- Case Management: Trained professionals work with each individual to develop personalized plans for housing, education, employment, and healthcare.
- Community Building: Group activities, counseling, and peer support foster a sense of belonging and resilience.

These comprehensive offerings reflect Siciliano’s philosophy: that every young person, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, deserves safety, respect, and the opportunity to thrive .

Queer youth experience disproportionate rates of homelessness, often due to rejection by family or aging out of foster care without a support system. The risk is particularly acute for transgender and non-binary youth, who face higher rates of violence and discrimination .

C.A.M.P. was designed to directly address these realities. By providing round-the-clock access, the center removes barriers that previously kept many youth from accessing services after hours or on weekends. The inclusive environment is built on trauma-informed care, cultural competency, and a commitment to affirming every aspect of a young person’s identity .

The success of C.A.M.P. is the result of collaboration among local officials, nonprofit leaders, and donors. Council Member Erik Bottcher, one of New York’s most prominent out elected officials, was instrumental in securing city funding and raising public awareness about the need for such a facility. Bottcher, whose own journey from a small Adirondack town to city leadership has been marked by advocacy for mental health and queer rights, described C.A.M.P. as “a space that offers safety, dignity, and hope—strengthening the entire LGBTQ+ community” .

Siciliano, Bottcher, and the Ali Forney Center team have also worked closely with local businesses, media outlets, and grassroots organizations to build sustainable support for C.A.M.P. Their efforts underscore the importance of cross-sector partnerships in creating lasting change for marginalized communities .

C.A.M.P.’s opening has received widespread coverage in LGBTQ+ media, with outlets such as Queer News Tonight and the Washington Blade highlighting the center’s role in setting national standards for youth services . The visibility of this project has sparked broader conversations about the need for LGBTQ+ representation in leadership and service provision, emphasizing the critical role of lived experience in shaping effective policy.

The launch of C.A.M.P. is not just a local triumph—it is a model with potential for national replication. As cities across the United States grapple with rising rates of youth homelessness and anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, the Ali Forney Center’s approach offers a blueprint for how communities can respond with compassion, innovation, and resilience .