HOUSTON, Texas — Just steps away from a church lies a different kind of sanctuary.

Tony’s Place offers a safe space for 14 to 25-year-olds who are homeless.

“Our mission at Tony’s Place is to aid and empower LGBTQ youth, ensuring they not only survive but truly thrive,” stated Executive Director Carrie Rai.

The center provides hot meals, clean clothes, hygiene supplies, and perhaps most importantly, someone who listens.

Rai mentioned, “We have case managers available to work individually with our clients, helping them set goals and supporting them throughout their journey to achieve what they aspire to in life.”

Research at the national level indicates that 40% of young individuals experiencing homelessness identify as LGBTQ+. The Trevor Project highlights that this group is more prone to suffer from depression, anxiety, and self-harm. Additionally, the National Institute of Health reports they are at a significant risk for becoming victims of sex trafficking and sexual exploitation.

The center was founded in honor of Tony Carroll, a gay therapist from Houston. He was working on opening a safe space for youths living on the streets when he died in 2015. Tony’s Place opened the following year.

Steven Parks, the Board Chair for Tony’s Place, said Tony saw the need in the community, “Tony’s Place was built because there was a time when the you did not have a safe space to go to. That was Tony Carroll’s vision.”

Gianna Ramirez is the Engagement Manager at Tony’s Place. She knows the need firsthand.

“I know very personally what it means to be a young queer person in the Houston area and feel isolated,” Ramirez said. “And I know what it’s like not to have support; having an organization like this where you can just be yourself is really important.”

Today, Tony’s Place is not only an oasis for the LGBTQ youth… It’s a beginning.

“I think this was the part of Tony’s dream,” Parks said. “Not just survival but celebration of identity, empowerment of who we are.”

For more information about the services offered, visit Tony’s Place website.

Tony’s Place was honored as the Organization Grand Marshal for the 2025 Pride Houston parade. ABC13 will stream the parade live from downtown Houston on Saturday, June 28 at 7 p.m.

The parade is expected to start along Smith Street near the Houston Public Library and end near Pease Street. View the parade map here.