A homeless shelter serving LGBTQ youth in New York City is hoping to give dozens a warm place to stay thanks to the late Golden Girls star, Bea Arthur. The residence, named for the gay icon whose generous donation made the project possible, is slated to open the 18-bed shelter at 222 E. 13th St by February 2017, according to DNAinfo.

Steve Herrick of the Cooper Square Committee, which has partnered with the Ali Forney Center, says,

“It’s really accelerating. The building is about 40 percent complete right now.”

The shelter was supposed to open this summer but construction on the long-derelict building hit a few snags after breaking ground in July of 2015

The $3.3 million city-funded project bears the name of the Broadway and television actress, who was also among the Ali Forney Center’s greatest supporters. Arthur put on a benefit show for the then-struggling nonprofit in 2005, and left $300,000 to the center in her will.

OK, I’m sorry. I have to say it…

“Thank you for being a friend!“

(via The Gaily Grind)