Empowering and protecting unhoused LGBTQ+ youth through clean clothes with Tide and Downy
This story is brought to you by our partners at P&G.
In a heartfelt 2-part social series, Out Magazine captures the critical role clean clothes play in providing comfort, dignity, and a sense of normalcy for unhoused LGBTQ+ youth. By supporting the Ali Forney Center, Tide and Downy are reinforcing their commitment to the LGBTQ+ community and demonstrating the profound difference that basic necessities can make.
Learn more below about how the Ali Forney Cetner, with the support of Tide and Downy, are making a tangible difference in the lives of unhoused LGBTQ+ youth, offering them the comfort and dignity they deserve.
Episode 1: Tide and Downy’s donation to the Ali Forney Center
Episode 2: The true stories of teens positively affected by the Ali Forney Center
For generations, Tide has been at the forefront of revolutionizing the laundry experience, and Downy has complemented this by ensuring clothes feel as good as they look. Together, these brands recognize that every load of laundry is more than just a chore; it’s an opportunity for a fresh start. The Ali Forney Center, dedicated to protecting and empowering LGBTQ+ youth from homelessness, sees clean clothes as an essential aspect of their mission. The ability to present oneself with dignity, especially for those who have faced rejection and trauma, is invaluable.
The Ali Forney Center, inspired by the legacy of Ali Forney, a courageous gender non-conforming teen, serves as a beacon of hope for over 1,700 unhoused LGBTQ+ youth each year. An important part of the Center's services are their laundry facilities, which are indispensable for maintaining hygiene and dignity. With the support of Tide and Downy, these facilities will be expanded and enhanced, ensuring that every young person who comes through their doors can access clean clothes and a fresh start.
The impact of Tide and Downy's support extends beyond laundry services. Ali's Place, the Center's initial point of contact, offers a comprehensive array of identity-affirming services, from meals and primary care to vocational training and legal support. The laundry facilities play a critical role, particularly in the Overnight program, which houses 20 actively street-homeless youth each night. By providing clean clothes and bed linens, the Center ensures these young people can maintain their hygiene and self-respect.
Moreover, the relocation of Ali's Place to a new, centralized location in midtown Manhattan has significantly improved accessibility for youth. This new space not only enhances the physical structure and sense of home but also enables the creation of specialized support hubs. These hubs streamline services to meet the most pressing needs of clients, facilitating their transition from street homelessness to stable housing.
Tide and Downy's collaboration with the Ali Forney Center is a testament to the transformative power of clean clothes and compassionate support. Together, they are making a tangible difference in the lives of unhoused LGBTQ+ youth, offering them the comfort and dignity they deserve.
