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On June 10, 2010, Montrose Grace Place (MGP) opened its doors in what was then Grace Lutheran Church in the heart of Montrose. With a handful of volunteers and support from the local community, MGP sought to provide youth experiencing homelessness of all sexualities and genders with food, resources, and fellowship. Serving family-style meals with youth and volunteers sitting side by side, our founders wanted the space they created to feel different from other outreach programs. They wanted the youth they served to see MGP as a welcoming and LGBTQ+ affirming place that embraced who they were in every sense. When they were greeted at the door, they were being welcomed as family to a table they could call their own.
Fourteen years and many, many meals later, our name may have changed, but our mission hasn't -- only expanded. Now operating out of Kindred Montrose, Grace Place welcomes more youth and serve more meals each week than ever before. Our ever-growing community of volunteers, partners, donors, and supporters have allowed Grace Place to expand our capacity to care for our family. From providing financial support and clothes to life-changing resources and fun activities, we will always strive to give more to those that need it most. MGP was incorporated as a separate non-profit 501(c)3 organization in 2009. Grace Place is not affiliated with any religion and does not offer religious or spiritual services. |
OUR MISSION
To provide a safe, welcoming environment for vulnerable youth experiencing homelessness of all sexualities and genders, providing nourishment, healthy relationships, and hope for the future.
OUR VISION
We envision a world where youth of all sexualities and genders have a safe space to exist and a future without judgement.
To provide a safe, welcoming environment for vulnerable youth experiencing homelessness of all sexualities and genders, providing nourishment, healthy relationships, and hope for the future.
OUR VISION
We envision a world where youth of all sexualities and genders have a safe space to exist and a future without judgement.
Grace Place Staff
Courtney Sellers (she/her), Executive Director
A native Houstonian, Courtney started as a Direct Mentor and Treasurer with Grace Place in 2015. In 2017, she took over as Grace Place Executive Director, helping to add a second night of services, increase resources, and make Grace Place more accessible for more LGBTQ+ youth. Courtney is passionate about amplifying the voices of youth experiencing homelessness and the specific intersectional needs of Grace Place youth who are victims of racism, sexism, homophobia, and transphobia. She loves to spend time with her daughter and their dog, exploring Houston’s many thrift shops, and making a lot of noise about public transportation in Houston.
A native Houstonian, Courtney started as a Direct Mentor and Treasurer with Grace Place in 2015. In 2017, she took over as Grace Place Executive Director, helping to add a second night of services, increase resources, and make Grace Place more accessible for more LGBTQ+ youth. Courtney is passionate about amplifying the voices of youth experiencing homelessness and the specific intersectional needs of Grace Place youth who are victims of racism, sexism, homophobia, and transphobia. She loves to spend time with her daughter and their dog, exploring Houston’s many thrift shops, and making a lot of noise about public transportation in Houston.
Rebecca Fontanilla (she/her), Diversion Director
Rebecca began her work with Grace Place as its first social work intern in 2017, and continued post-grad as a Lead Direct Volunteer. Rebecca believes in utilizing a community first, anti-oppressive approach in her work, and has served the Greater Houston/Harris County area in the non-profit and public sector with specialized experience in crisis intervention, trauma informed care, case management, and community engagement. She is a proud graduate of Texas Southern University and the University of Houston - Graduate College of Social Work. Her biggest loves include spending time with her wife and their dogs, themed parties, gardening, and talking about movies, television, and all things pop culture.
Rebecca began her work with Grace Place as its first social work intern in 2017, and continued post-grad as a Lead Direct Volunteer. Rebecca believes in utilizing a community first, anti-oppressive approach in her work, and has served the Greater Houston/Harris County area in the non-profit and public sector with specialized experience in crisis intervention, trauma informed care, case management, and community engagement. She is a proud graduate of Texas Southern University and the University of Houston - Graduate College of Social Work. Her biggest loves include spending time with her wife and their dogs, themed parties, gardening, and talking about movies, television, and all things pop culture.
Board of Directors
Tracey Burnett-Greenup, President (she/her)
Tracey is the Chief Impact Officer for The Council on Recovery and a Licensed Professional Counselor with a passion for helping others. She has a strong background in the nonprofit world, with experience as a leader, volunteer, and board member. She is also currently pursuing her PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision, further deepening her commitment to the field. When she is not working or giving back, you can usually find Tracey staying active—whether hiking, kayaking, or hitting the gym. She is a huge sports fan, especially of women’s soccer, and proudly holds season tickets for the Houston Dash. Tracey adores spending time with her wife, Sarah, and their dog Falco.
Tracey is deeply passionate about advocating for the LGBTQIA+ community and other underrepresented groups. She strives to create inclusive spaces where everyone feels seen and supported. Through her work and community involvement, Tracey is committed to fostering equity and empowerment.
Tracey is the Chief Impact Officer for The Council on Recovery and a Licensed Professional Counselor with a passion for helping others. She has a strong background in the nonprofit world, with experience as a leader, volunteer, and board member. She is also currently pursuing her PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision, further deepening her commitment to the field. When she is not working or giving back, you can usually find Tracey staying active—whether hiking, kayaking, or hitting the gym. She is a huge sports fan, especially of women’s soccer, and proudly holds season tickets for the Houston Dash. Tracey adores spending time with her wife, Sarah, and their dog Falco.
Tracey is deeply passionate about advocating for the LGBTQIA+ community and other underrepresented groups. She strives to create inclusive spaces where everyone feels seen and supported. Through her work and community involvement, Tracey is committed to fostering equity and empowerment.
Onjheney Warren, Vice President (they/them)
Onjheney serves as a Manager of College Success for EMERGE Fellowship in Houston, providing resources and support for college students in their first year and beyond. Prior to that, Onjheney worked as a College Transition Specialist for three years at KIPP Through College. Onjheney is passionate about working with first generation college students and students of color, and strives to provide equitable opportunities for their academic and career success. In their free time, Onjheney loves spending time with family and friends, going to as many concerts as possible, and cuddling their two cats Ahsoka and Mando. |
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Jordan J. Edwards (he/him)
Bio: Jordan J. Edwards is a Houston native deeply committed to serving the LBGTQ+ community. Since 2018, he has advocated for the community while drawing from the intersections of his identity and lived experience to help others. In his free time, Jordan enjoys being creative with his art, spending time with animals, and traveling to explore the world. He is also enrolled in a social work program with a focus on emotional intelligence and taking a person-first approach. When he is not busy serving his community, Jordan prioritizes caring for his family and idealizing how to make life easier. |
Katie Harrington (she/they)
Katie is a native and very proud Houstonian. She is a lawyer at Foley & Lardner LLP, where she practices commercial litigation. Katie has spent the past seven years serving on a nonprofit board, and is extremely passionate about mentoring youth in the Houston area. Outside of work, Katie loves spending time with her wife, Stephanie, their dog, Bailey, and their two cats, Rocket and Clutch Kitty. They love exploring the outdoors by hiking, paddle boarding, and camping, trying new Houston restaurants, and cheering on Houston sports teams. |
Ashwin Mathews (he/him)
Ashwin works as an engineer in the space program and serves on the Leadership Table of +Kindred Montrose. Ashwin enjoys taking walks, cooking for friends and family, and serving his community in the small ways he can. He's excited to contribute to the Grace Place mission! |
Zachary McKenzie, (he/him)
Zach is a publicist at Rachel Austin Public Relations and also works as a freelance writer. He has been published locally and nationally, regularly contributing to publications including OutSmart Magazine and My Gay Houston. Zach served as vice president of the Grace Place board of directors from 2021 to 2024 and will continue to serve on the board following his tenure on the executive committee. In his spare time, Zach enjoys playing tennis, reading, thrift shopping, needlepoint, and enjoying the incredible food and beverage scene that Houston has to offer |
Javi Simons (he/him)
Javier Simons is an experienced agent in the Entertainment and Music Industry, focusing on Global Touring and festivals with emphasis on supporting Queer and ally Musicians, DJ's, and Drag Artists. He is one of the pioneers in the Drag touring industry and the creative mind behind KOQ (King of Queens) Agency. Having earned a degree in Music Business from Full Sail University and currently pursuing an MBA at the prestigious Jones Graduate School of Business at Rice University, Javier is deeply passionate about promoting diversity's and bringing representation to stages all over the world fueled by the power of live music. |
Marcus Wade (he/him)
Marcus Wade is the Global Program Manager at HP Inc, leading the strategy and execution of refurbished PCs globally within a start up organization called Renew Solutions. His career in technology spans product marketing, strategy, and innovation. Before transitioning into technology, he worked in various sectors of the Maritime and Logistics industry from insurance, trucking and warehousing to engineering classification. Marcus has a passion on giving back, whether through work activities. He serves as the Chair for the HP Houston Pride Business Resource Group (BRG) advocating for the LGBTQ+ community at work and how can the BRG impact the Houston community by being involved in the Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce, establishing talent pipelines for LGBTQ+ members in STEM, and partnering with several non-profits. Marcus also serves as a liaison for HP recruiting for Rice Business. He is committed to mentoring and providing support to the next generation of leaders. Marcus enjoys exploring Houston, weightlifting, singing and spending time with family and friend |
Leticia "Tish" Zamora-Dixon (she/her)
While serving in the corporate security field for 25 years, Tish has developed a keen passion for social justice to ensure a better quality of life for all marginalized people. She has served in program development, training/mentorship, and upper-level management positions where her leadership skills and passion have led organizations and projects to success. Tish is community-focused and believes in addressing most issues via collaboration, a positive attitude, and unwavering commitment. Tish will be graduating with her master’s degree in education in counseling and development from Lamar University in December and has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Houston. Prior to her counseling journey, Tish had served on several boards and has been an avid volunteer within the Greater Houston area for several years. In her downtime, she enjoys rescuing dogs, traveling, and watching psychological thriller documentaries with her husband. Tish is passionate about helping young people build their self-esteem and confidence through self-awareness, education, and guidance. |
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Interested in joining our board?
Help Grace Place create a safe space for home insecure youth of all genders and sexualities. Serve one of Houston's most marginalized and vulnerable populations through fundraising, cultivating community connections, event planning, and more, while gaining valuable professional development skills. We're looking for a diverse group of dedicated, hard-working folks interested in marketing/communications, fundraising, networking, programming/events, outreach, finance, advocacy, and volunteer recruitment. Board seats are currently full, but we will keep your application on file. Click here to submit an application. |
Media & Press
Articles & Press
- "How Montrose Grace Place is helping Houston's LGBTQ+ youth avoid homelessness, "Houston Landing, July 2024.
- "The Big Queer Quiz 2024, OutSmart Magazine," June 2024.
- "Montrose Grace Place Hosts Haus of Gingerbread," OutSmart Magazine, December 2022
- "Grace Place seeks to expand services to LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness," ABC13, June 2022.
- "Houston’s Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church makes $50,000 donation to Montrose Grace Place," Houston Chronicle, May 2022
- "Montrose Grace Place provides haven for LGBTQ youth experiencing homelessness", Houston Chronicle, January 2022
- "Meet Montrose Grace Place’s Newest Staff Member," OutSmart Magazine, January 2022
- "Community mourns loss of third trans woman murdered in Texas this year," Houston Chronicle, August 2019
- "After 10 Years, Montrose Grace Place Adds 2nd Night for Homeless LGBTQ Youth," OutSmart Magazine, December 2018
- "Food. Friends. Hope. Montrose Grace Place offers all three.," OutSmart Magazine, May 2010
- "Eliminating Homelessness Takes a Village" by Fran Watson, former MGP Board President, OutSmart Magazine September 2015
- "Falling Through the Cracks: My Struggle to Survive as a Homeless Youth," by Kristopher Sharp, former MGP Board Member, Huffington Post, April 2015
