Last week, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) opened public comment on the proposed change that seeks to reverse the protections created by the 2016 Equal Access Rule. The proposed modification would allow discrimination against transgender people seeking access to shelter through HUD-funded services by returning decision-making of who can access services to local shelter providers. In effect, this will have dire consequences for members of the LGBTQ+ community, especially transgender (trans) people experiencing homelessness. You can read more on THN’s statement on the proposed change at our recent blog post.

Take action today to prevent this discriminatory change. Submit your public comment in opposition by September 22. Tell the Trump administration and HUD transgender people have a right to safe, inclusive, and competent homeless shelters and other emergency services.

By revoking the protections for transgender people experiencing homelessness, HUD will undoubtedly increase the likelihood that transgender individuals do not seek shelter, creating an inherent and preventable risk to their health and well-being. It is the responsibility of HUD and agencies across our country to protect all of our neighbors experiencing homelessness, regardless of their gender identity. Without these protections, transgender people will face another barrier to living freely in the land of the free.

Submit your comment today to protect trans individual’s right to access shelter.

Steps to make a difference:

• • Read our template for Public Comment here for ideas of what to include in your submission.
  • Submit your own comment by September 22nd. You can submit your comment via Housing Saves Lives portal or send in an electronic submission to HUD directly here.
  • To keep up with the latest news and resources subscribe to our newsletters and sign up for alerts from HousingSavesLives.org