The Ali Forney Center
The Ali Forney Center is a NYC-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that operates the nation's largest continuum of care for homeless LGBTQ+ and at-risk youth aged 16–24, including a 24-hour Drop-In Center, 142 housing beds, on-site medical and mental health services, and vocational programs serving 2,200+ youth annually.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2002
- HeadquartersNew York, United States
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What The Ali Forney Center does
The Ali Forney Center (AFC) is a New York City-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2002 by Carl Siciliano to serve homeless LGBTQ+ and at-risk youth aged 16–24. It operates the nation's largest dedicated continuum of care for this population, anchored by a 24-hour Drop-In Center (Ali's Place) in Midtown Manhattan that functions as the single point of intake into all downstream services. Scattered-site housing capacity comprises 66 emergency beds across six apartments in Queens and Brooklyn (up to 6-month stays) and 76 transitional housing beds in shared Manhattan/Brooklyn apartments (up to 2-year stays), serving 2,200+ youth annually and providing 70,000+ meals per year.
Wraparound services include an on-site medical clinic operated via subcontract with the Institute for Family Health and Care for the Homeless (daily HIV/HEP C testing, STI testing and treatment, PEP/PrEP, primary care, psychiatry), the LEAP vocational and educational program, LIFE coaching, and case management. AFC also runs a National Technical Assistance Program that supports peer organizations in the US (Larkin Street Youth, Y2Y Harvard Square) and the UK (Albert Kennedy Trust) in replicating its model.
AFC is funded through a diversified mix of individual donations (including the AFC 360 monthly giving program and the Ali Pride major-donor tiers at $2,500–$25,000), corporate partnerships (notably Kiehl's Since 1851, contributing $150,000 in 2026 and $1.4M+ cumulatively since 2015), planned giving via the Bea Arthur Friends Society, and six signature annual fundraising events headlined by the A Place at the Table spring gala, which raised over $3 million in 2026. Operating leadership is held by CEO Alexander Roque with a full C-suite (CDO, COO, CPO); founder Carl Siciliano remains active in Religious Outreach and advocacy following publication of his memoir 'Making Room' (Penguin Random House, 2024). Reported cost economics are 85% of revenue directly benefiting clients, 11% for program operations, and 5% for fundraising.
The Ali Forney Center firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- The Ali Forney Center
- Legal name
- Ali Forney Center, Inc.
- Website
- https://www.aliforneycenter.org/
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2002
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- The Ali Forney Center is a NYC-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that operates the nation's largest continuum of care for homeless LGBTQ+ and at-risk youth aged 16–24, including a 24-hour Drop-In Center, 142 housing beds, on-site medical and mental health services, and vocational programs serving 2,200+ youth annually.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
The Ali Forney Center industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Homeless Youth Social Services
- NAICS
- Temporary Shelters (624221), Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (624120)
- SIC
- Services-Social Services (8300)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Housing Assistance & Homeless Services (BPAGAEAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Youth Housing, Foster Care & Wraparound Support (Education-Linked) Nonprofits (BPAGADAO), Homeless, Foster Care & Highly Mobile Youth Education Services (EDAJAEAG)
Keywords
Where The Ali Forney Center is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- New York
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices5 records
Markets served
The Ali Forney Center business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain
Revenue model
- Individual Donations: One-time and recurring donations from individuals supporting homeless LGBTQ+ youth services. Monthly giving program (AFC 360) provides reliable operating income for budgeting.
- Corporate Partnerships: Corporate sponsors program with companies like Kiehl's contributing $150,000 annually. Includes employee volunteer opportunities, speaking engagements, event tickets and sponsorships, and bespoke engagement opportunities.
- Major Gifts: Ali Pride major donor program with tiers: Supporter ($2,500), Guardian ($10,000), Impact Circle ($25,000), providing recognition and exclusive access to leadership and events.
- Special Events Revenue: Annual events including Oasis, A Place at the Table gala ($3MM+ raised in 2026), Luscious, I Put a Spell on You, SERVE, and Night of a Thousand Judys.
- Planned Giving: Legacy gifts through Bea Arthur Friend Society including wills, living trusts, retirement accounts, life insurance policies, annuities, and property/stock donations.
- Corporate Matching: Corporate matching gift programs through company benefit programs.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Monthly | Free services for homeless LGBTQ+ youth |
Go-to-market motion4 records
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels8 records
The Ali Forney Center product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The Ali Forney Center provides a continuum of care for homeless LGBTQ+ and at-risk youth ages 16-24 in New York City, including a 24-hour Drop-In Center, emergency housing (66 beds across six sites), transitional housing (76 beds for up to two years), on-site medical and mental health services, a vocational and education program (LEAP), case management, meals, and a National Technical Assistance Program that helps other organizations replicate the model.
Product overview
The Ali Forney Center is a nonprofit social services organization (not a technology company) that provides a comprehensive continuum of care for homeless LGBTQ+ and at-risk youth. The organization operates a single integrated service model consisting of: a 24-hour Drop-In Center (Ali's Place) as the entry point; Emergency Housing with 66 beds across six sites; Transitional Housing with 76 beds for up to two years; an on-site medical clinic providing HIV testing, primary care, and psychiatric services; the LEAP job readiness and education program; a National Technical Assistance Program for model replication; and the FLINTA* Coalition. Additionally, AFC operates multiple annual fundraising events (Oasis, A Place at the Table, SERVE, Night of a 1,000 Judys, Luscious Brunch, I Put a Spell on You) and donor programs (Ali Pride major giving, AFC 360 monthly giving, and the Bea Arthur Friends Society planned giving). The organization serves over 2,000 youth annually across New York City locations.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Drop-In Center (Ali's Place) A 24-hour drop-in center in Midtown Manhattan providing food, medical care, mental health services, and access to housing programs for homeless LGBTQ+ and at-risk youth. It serves as the entry point to all AFC programs.
- Emergency Housing Program Scattered-site emergency housing program with 66 beds across six apartments in Queens and Brooklyn, offering temporary housing for up to six months with nightly home-cooked meals and staff supervision.
- Transitional Housing Program (THP) Independent living preparation program with 76 beds in shared apartments across Manhattan and Brooklyn, allowing youth to stay for up to two years while maintaining employment and continuing education.
- Health Services / On-Site Medical Clinic Comprehensive healthcare including daily HIV and HEP C testing, STI testing and treatment, PEP/PrEP resources, primary care, and psychiatric services provided through the Institute for Family Health.
- LEAP (Learning Employment Advancement and Placement) Program Six-month vocational and educational preparation course for homeless LGBTQ+ youth ages 16-24, offering TASC/HSE preparatory courses, National Work Readiness Credential training, life skills, and paid internships.
- National Technical Assistance Program Program supporting communities seeking to launch or enhance services for LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness, including an annual conference for model replication and provider resources.
- FLINTA* Coalition Community-raising and fundraising initiative supporting FLINTA* (Women, Lesbian, Agender, Non-binary, Trans, Intersex, and additional identities) youth, including community events, volunteerism, and a signature event.
Quantifiable outcome
- 77% of transitional housing residents are in school
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use The Ali Forney Center
Customer profileNamed customers1 record
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
The Ali Forney Center technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
The Ali Forney Center partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Kiehl's Since 1851coreThird consecutive year partnership in 2026, committing $150,000 to support safe housing and developmental services for LGBTQIA+ youth experiencing homelessness. Since 2015, Kiehl's has contributed more than $1.4 million to LGBTQIA+ causes globally. Partnership includes Pride Month 'Love is Natural' campaign with artist collective AVAF featuring immersive artwork across brand stores and digital platforms.
- Institute for Family HealthcoreProvides on-site primary care and psychiatry services through a subcontract with Care for the Homeless. Offers daily HIV and HEP C testing, STI testing and treatment, PEP and PrEP resources, birth control, and insurance enrollment.
- Care for the HomelesscorePartner organization providing subcontract for on-site medical clinic services at AFC's Drop-In Center, enabling primary care and psychiatric services for homeless youth.
- Albert Kennedy TrustminorUK-based organization in AFC's Technical Assistance network supporting communities launching LGBTQ+ youth homelessness services.
- Larkin Street YouthminorSan Francisco-based organization in AFC's Technical Assistance network helping replicate AFC's model.
- Y2Y Harvard SquareminorCambridge, MA-based organization in AFC's Technical Assistance network.
- NYC LGBTQ+ Youth Homelessness NetworkminorAnnual North American Technical Assistance Conference hosted by AFC bringing together organizations combatting LGBTQ+ homelessness from around the globe. Led by founder Carl Siciliano and Director of Technical Assistance Nadia Swanson.
- Bea Arthur Friend SocietycoreLegacy giving circle named for legendary actress Bea Arthur, AFC's first transformational legacy gift donor. Honors those who include AFC in estate plans with donor wall recognition, annual report acknowledgment, exclusive events including Oasis summer rooftop soiree, and complimentary tickets.
- Corporate and Non-profit Internship PartnersminorCorporate and nonprofit partners providing paid internships for youth in the LEAP program, developing employment history for homeless LGBTQ+ youth.
Scale indicators16 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
The Ali Forney Center competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- The Door: NYC-based youth services nonprofit offering housing, health, education, and career programming to adolescents and young adults ages 12-24, including LGBTQ+ youth, with a comparable drop-in and case-management model.
- Covenant House New York: One of the largest providers of shelter and services for homeless and trafficking-survivor youth in NYC, operating emergency beds, transitional housing, and wraparound supports directly comparable in scope and geography to AFC.
- CAMBA: Large Brooklyn-based social services nonprofit operating emergency shelters, transitional housing, and youth services that overlap with AFC's housing and case-management portfolio in NYC.
- Larkin Street Youth Services: San Francisco-based nonprofit providing shelter, housing, and wraparound services for homeless youth ages 12-24, and a current member of AFC's Technical Assistance network—comparable service portfolio and target population, but West Coast geography.
- Hetrick-Martin Institute: NYC-based nonprofit serving LGBTQ+ youth ages 13-24 with housing, education, and mental health services—directly comparable mission and population, though with smaller housing capacity than AFC.
- Ruth Ellis Center: Detroit-area nonprofit providing emergency shelter, transitional housing, and supportive services specifically for LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness—a smaller but mission-identical direct peer.
- Los Angeles LGBT Center: One of the world's largest LGBTQ+ community organizations, operating housing and youth programs (including the Youth Center on Highland) that overlap with AFC's mission serving LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness.
Others
- PFLAG National: National LGBTQ+ advocacy and family-acceptance organization whose family-rejection intervention mission is upstream of AFC's downstream service delivery—thematically aligned but not a service-provider peer.
- True Colors United: National nonprofit focused on preventing and ending LGBTQ+ youth homelessness through training, advocacy, and technical assistance—directly aligned with AFC's Technical Assistance mission but operating at the systems-change level rather than direct service delivery.
Broad incumbents
- YWCA of Greater New York: Larger, multi-program NYC social services nonprofit with housing and youth programs (including the Rose House shelter) that intersect with AFC's mission, serving a broader demographic scope than AFC's LGBTQ+ focus.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
The Ali Forney Center social profiles
Digital presenceThe Ali Forney Center financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
The Ali Forney Center leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles5 records
The Ali Forney Center funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds2 records
Investors2 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
The Ali Forney Center M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about The Ali Forney Center
What does The Ali Forney Center do?
The Ali Forney Center provides a continuum of care for homeless LGBTQ+ and at-risk youth ages 16-24 in New York City, including a 24-hour Drop-In Center, emergency housing (66 beds across six sites), transitional housing (76 beds for up to two years), on-site medical and mental health services, a vocational and education program (LEAP), case management, meals, and a National Technical Assistance Program that helps other organizations replicate the model.
Is The Ali Forney Center a public or private company?
The Ali Forney Center is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was The Ali Forney Center founded?
The Ali Forney Center was founded in 2002. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is The Ali Forney Center based?
The Ali Forney Center is headquartered in New York, United States, in the North America region.
How does The Ali Forney Center make money?
Six revenue lines are on record. Individual Donations are the primary driver. The others are corporate Partnerships, major Gifts, special Events Revenue, planned Giving and corporate Matching.
Who are The Ali Forney Center's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are The Door, Covenant House New York, CAMBA, Larkin Street Youth Services, Hetrick-Martin Institute, Ruth Ellis Center and Los Angeles LGBT Center. Others are PFLAG National and True Colors United. YWCA of Greater New York is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does The Ali Forney Center have an API?
No public API is recorded for The Ali Forney Center.
What industry is The Ali Forney Center in?
The Ali Forney Center's product category is Homeless Youth Social Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGAEAB, Housing Assistance & Homeless Services, with a secondary code of BPAGADAO, Youth Housing, Foster Care & Wraparound Support (Education-Linked) Nonprofits. Its NAICS code is 624221 and its SIC code is 8300.