We work to interrupt the cycles of poverty and criminalization that prevent homeless and street-involved young people from living fulfilling lives free from discrimination, abuse, and oppression.
FYP HELPS YOUTH EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS, AND LGBTQ+ YOUTH IN PARTICULAR, OVERCOME LEGAL BARRIERS SO THEY CAN THRIVE.
Immigration
Represent undocumented youth experiencing homelessness in NYC to obtain legal immigration status
Affirming Identity Documents
Help youth of all genders obtain legal name changes and ID documents that reflect their new name and gender marker
Shelter and Support
Help young people access the shelter and public benefits to which they are entitled
Celebrate Pride with Flash Tattoos
June 21, 2025 — 1pm-6pm — Leslie Lohman Museum of Art
Artists will be doing live flash tattoos on site with proceeds supporting the vital work of Free to Be Youth Project. Limited walk-in slots available, check out flash sheets and book your slot in advance via artist IGs: @mariquitx @bigandchewy @tattoofleur @kathrynzetajaynes @thembonestattoo
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Recent Press
LGBTQ+ Youth-Serving Nonprofits Launch New Coalition With Message Of Hope For Young People
Advocate
"New coalition including our Free to Be Youth Project announces: Last month, we gathered in New York City, bringing our leaders and staff from over a dozen nonprofits serving LGBTQ+ youth together for the first time...Our goal was to discuss how we are showing up for LGBTQ+ young people amid a uniquely challenging moment in our nation’s history – and how we can better collaborate to ensure these youth are able to envision the better, brighter future they deserve.”
DHS Reverses Decision to Abolish Three Key Civil Rights Offices
Public Citizen
“The Department of Homeland Security today announced that it will not abolish the Department’s Offices for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL), the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman, or the Immigration Detention Ombudsman, reversing a previous move to shutter the offices...The reversal by DHS follows a lawsuit brought the Urban Justice Center [and others.]"Protecting New York’s Most Vulnerable From Federal Attacks
City Limits
“The Trump administration’s scare tactics have been so ruthless that they have successfully inhibited those in need from seeking social service providers, leaving them further isolated and at-risk.” - UJC Project Directors Amy Leipziger, Madeline Garcia Bigelow, Abigail AnzaloneCONTACT
FREE TO BE
YOUTH
PROJECT
We welcome your questions and comments
Main Office
40 Rector Street, 9th FloorNew York, NY 10006
Telephone: 877-716-1446
Email: fyp@urbanjustice.org
Hours
M-F: 9:00am – 6:00pm
