ABOUT US
New Alternatives increases the self-sufficiency of LGBTQ+ homeless youth and young adults by enabling them to transition out of the shelter system to stable adult lives. We do this by providing long-term support, weekly case management, education services, life skills training, community-building recreational activities, opportunities for self-expression, and programs for HIV+ youth. Our guiding principles are those of harm reduction, youth development, and empowerment.
THE LGBTQ+ YOUTH CRISIS
Recent studies indicate that LGBTQ+ youth comprise nearly 40% of the homeless youth population in New York City. At an estimated 7% of the total youth population, young people in our community are disproportionately affected by homelessness and are more likely to experience bullying, sexual assault, violence, trauma, HIV infection, mental health disorders, and substance abuse than their heterosexual peers.
Every night, hundreds of LGBTQ+ youth and young adults have no place to call home in NYC. Whether they have been kicked out by homophobic relatives, forced to flee conservative communities, aged out of foster care, or come from families torn apart by poverty and drug abuse, these young people sleep in city parks, on the subway, and in public facilities like Port Authority and Penn Station. A fortunate few might find a safe haven in one of NYC’s housing programs or shelters designed for this population, but such facilities are scarce and so underfunded that most youth wait months to gain entry. Others are subjected to shelter in large, city-funded institutions where they frequently fall victim to homophobia, transphobia, biphobia, harassment, and violence.
New Alternatives is advocating for change. We are dedicated to the care and well-being of these young people and are at the forefront of combating the epidemic of poverty and homelessness in New York City's LGBTQ+ youth population. We aim to provide all youth who come to us for support with the tools and resources they need to thrive.
OUR WORK
New Alternatives provides a range of services designed to help LGBTQ+ youth succeed in transitioning to stable adult lives and welcomes all youth as they are with no barriers to entry.
Basic Needs
Nutritious homemade meals, distribution of hygiene supplies, emergency clothing, MetroCards, urgent referrals for shelter, and referrals for primary care and psychiatric support are all part of the ways we meet the essential needs of homeless youth.
Case Management
This is the place for young people to bring their problems. None are too big or small. Arrest warrants, finding a long-lost relative, applying for disability benefits, returning to high school or college, back taxes... We help with all of it!
Recreational Activities
College tours, barbecues, camping, beach trips, apple picking, holiday celebrations, and trips to conferences are just some of the many activities that we offer throughout the year.
Education
We strive to ensure all youth have the opportunity to learn. Our volunteer tutors are always on hand to assist with GED and SAT preparation, college applications, and financial aid paperwork.
Life Skills Training
Whether the topic is HIV prevention, anger management, nutrition, or conflict resolution, the skills discussed in our weekly life skills group are relevant and vital to the success of our clients.
Self-Expression
Creative writing and video groups give our youth the chance to express themselves and share their experiences in an artistic and therapeutic way.
Testing and Prevention
New Alternatives provides onsite STI testing and referrals for comprehensive health services through our partnership with Project Stay. Project STAY is administered jointly by the New York Presbyterian Hospital Ambulatory Care Network Corporation and the Harlem Health Promotion Center (HHPC) within the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health.
OUR STAFF
KATE BARNHART
Founder & Director
Kate is a long-time AIDS activist and member of ACT UP/NY who has engaged in numerous acts of civil disobedience protesting issues related to HIV/AIDS, healthcare, and police brutality. She has worked with at-risk youth since 1994, including six years working with young felons at CASES, an alternative-to-incarceration program. Since 2001, she has worked with homeless LGBTQ+ youth. She spent five years serving as Director of Sylvia's Place, an emergency shelter for LGBTQ+ homeless youth, and is currently the Director of New Alternatives for LGBTQ+ Homeless Youth, which she founded in October 2008. In her free time, she rescues and rehabilitates stray cats.
Pronouns: she/her/hers
DILO CINTRON
Outreach
Dilo is a former client who has become a member of our Outreach Team. Starting on the Security Team, he now spends his days going out into the community to meet and check in on clients. When doing this type of work, he believes in being approachable and making sure people feel heard and respected. In his free time, he enjoys scuba diving and anything involving the beach.
Pronouns: he/him/his
MAURICE KENNERLY
Security
Maurice is a member of our Security Team and has been working with New Alternatives for nearly a decade. Prior to his time with us, he worked at a food pantry with his church. His pastor recommended that he join the team, and Maurice has proven to be a great addition. In his free time, he enjoys biking, listening to music, and spending time with his godchildren.
Pronouns: he/him/his
RAMON LECLERC
Outreach & Recreation Assistant
Ramon is a former homeless youth who started volunteering with New Alternatives when it first began. Since joining the staff in 2018, he has become our Outreach & Recreation Assistant. In this role, he goes to fundraising events, reaches out to prospective clients, plans trips and outings, and goes to city council meetings. In his free time, he enjoys watching his favorite hockey team, the Rangers.
Pronouns: he/him/his
MISTY ELLEN PADILLA
Executive Assistant
Misty is a former homeless youth and is now an Executive Assistant to the Director of New Alternatives. In her role, she oversees housing coordination as well as trip and event planning. She is a former resident and intern of Sylvia’s Place, a shelter for LGBTQ+ youth, and is also a member of Fountain House, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to mental health. In her free time, Misty likes to dance, paint, crochet, play video games, and sing.
Pronouns: she/her/hers
EDUARDO VEGA
Maintenance
Eduardo is a member of our Maintenance Team. He receives and sends out deliveries and does various tasks around the office. He joined New Alternatives to learn new skills and become more educated on the diversity of cultures in the community. In his free time, he volunteers and meditates by the water.
Pronouns: he/him/his
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President
Harlem Gunness
Treasurer
Jeffry Mummert
Secretary
Jackson Sherratt
Members
Andy Humm
Michaela Murphy
Amy Raspatello
Grant Woolfolk
OUR FUNDERS
Our funders are as diverse and varied as the community we serve, and we are truly thankful for all of the foundations and organizations that continue to demonstrate their commitment to the well-being of LGBTQ+ homeless youth. We gratefully acknowledge our most generous supporters:
Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen Foundation
Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS
The Collegiate Churches of New York
Lawson Valentine Foundation
