Asia's House Opens as Houston’s First LGBTQ-Affirming Youth Shelter

The shelter honors the memory of Asia Jynaé Foster, a transgender Houstonian and Grace Place community member who was murdered in 2020. Her advocacy for supportive housing inspired the project, which aims to provide immediate refuge without bureaucratic hurdles. Courtney Sellers, Executive Director of Grace Place, emphasized that the shelter removes the pressure for youth to justify their presence, prioritizing their immediate safety above all else.

Located in a confidential space, the house serves residents of Harris, Fort Bend, and Montgomery counties. While the project is a milestone for Grace Place—their first dedicated shelter since the nonprofit's founding in 2010—it relies on a strategic partnership with the Montrose Center. The center provided critical startup funding and staffing expertise, bridging the organizational gap to assist younger teens who previously lacked local options. Beyond a bed, the facility offers comprehensive support, including case management, counseling, and life skills training, with the ultimate goal of securing stable long-term housing for every youth who walks through the door.