HOUSTON, TX (November 19, 2024) – The Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Chamber Holiday Food & Supply Drive on Thursday, November 21st with two drop off locations as well as a virtual donation option. The Drive will benefit Chamber nonprofit member, Tony’s Place, a Houston resource center and community space focusing on LGBTQ+ youth who need help with safe housing, queer health services, educational support, and more.

This is the second year in a row for the Chamber and Foundation to team up with Tony’s Place for the Chamber Holiday Food & Supply Drive. Last year, there was so much food, supplies and funds raised that Tony’s Place completely had to rework their budget. The impact of the donations has been felt all year long for the organization and the youth they serve.

“With so many of our youth on the streets, this year, more than ever, they need us to step and support them," said Tammi Wallace (she/her), Co-Founder, President & CEO, Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber and Foundation. “Donating to the Drive will make a difference and we make it easy for the community to donate in-person, virtually or via an Amazon Wish List.”

With up to 40% of the 4.2 million youth experiencing homelessness identifying as LGBTQ+ while only 9.5% of the U.S. population, LGBTQ+ youth disproportionately experience homelessness compared to their straight and cisgender peers.

“Being a beneficiary of the Chamber's Food & Supply Drive for a second year in a row means that the community is supporting us and seeing our growth as well as the needs for our LGBTQ+ youth,” said Carrie Rai (she/her), Executive Director, Tony's Place.

The community is invited to participate in the Chamber Holiday Food & Supply Drive, this Thursday, November 21st. There are two drop off locations for the Chamber Holiday Food & Supply Drive with morning and afternoon drop off options:

Morning Location

Starting at 8:00 am, as part of the Chamber’s 3rd Thursday Breakfast hosted at Cadillac Bar, 1802 Shepherd Dr. Donations will be accepted from 8:00 – 1:00am.

Afternoon Location

Starting at 4:00 pm, donations will be accepted at Eureka Heights Brew Co. at 941 W. 18th Street in the Heights. The Chamber is also hosting the Chamber Rainbow Market, starting at 4:00 pm and Drag Bingo, which starts at 7:00 pm.

We appreciate our generous sponsors some of which include Arca Continental Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages, Silver Eagle Distributors and Eureka Heights Brewery. See a full list of sponsors, ways to give, shopping list and more at http://www.chamberholidayfooddrive.lgbt.

About Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce and Foundation

The Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce accelerates economic opportunity for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer + (LGBTQ+) community through a strong network of business allies, innovative programs, strategic partnerships and advance policies that foster economic inclusion and equality.

The Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce Foundation is dedicated to expanding economic opportunity in the Greater Houston region through education, research and initiatives that focus on the core drivers of economic prosperity for the LGBTQ+ community.

About Tony’s Place

Tony’s Place opened in 2016 in memory of Robert Anthony “Tony” Carroll, a pillar of the Houston community and a strong advocate for a drop-in center for young LGBTQ+ people. The organization focuses on providing five core services: Basic Needs; Case Management; Support Services; Community Engagement; and Advocacy.