“`html

NYC Launches $3.5M Initiative to Combat Transgender Homelessness

New York, NY – New York City has announced a $3.5 million investment to address the disproportionately high rates of homelessness within the transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) community. The program, a partnership between the Department of Social Services (DSS) and Destination Tomorrow, aims to provide vital housing assistance, case management, and employment opportunities.

The Transgender community raised the flag for Transgender Day of Remembrance at Toronto City Hall. (Andrew Francis Wallace/Toronto Star via Getty Images)

“Access to safe and stable housing is basic to health and well-being,” said Department of Social Services Commissioner Molly Wasow Park in a press release. “We are grateful to have found an incredible partner in Destination Tomorrow, an organization that is rooted in serving the community…”

Destination Tomorrow, based in the Bronx, is a grassroots LGBTQ+ center offering a range of services. In addition to housing support, the organization is developing a culinary arts work-study program with internship placements for Bronx residents seeking careers in the food service industry. The program will be located at destination Tomorrow’s main facility at 1540 Grand Concourse,Suite 301,Bronx,NY 10451.

“For far to long, my community has been pushed to the margins, forced to navigate systems that were never built with our safety or dignity in mind,” said Chanel Lopez, Deputy director of LGBTQ+ affairs for the new York State Executive Chamber.

Understanding Homelessness in Transgender Communities

The initiative responds to a critical need highlighted by national statistics. A 2021 report from the Trevor project revealed that 28 percent of LGBTQ youth have experienced homelessness or housing instability, and these individuals demonstrate considerably higher rates of mental health challenges compared to their stably housed peers.

Data from Advocates for Trans Equality indicates that one in five transgender people in the United States face discrimination when seeking housing, and one in ten have been evicted due to their gender identity. This discrimination often stems from landlord bias, misgendering, and lack of legal protections.

Contributing Factors: Experts cite family rejection, employment discrimination, and violence as key drivers of homelessness among TGNC individuals. The Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law estimates that approximately 300,000 transgender people live in New York State, making targeted interventions like this initiative notably crucial.

program Details: The $3.5 million will be allocated over the next two years, focusing on rapid re-housing assistance, rental assistance, and supportive services tailored to the unique needs of TGNC individuals. Destination Tomorrow will provide culturally competent case management,including assistance with obtaining identification documents,accessing healthcare,and securing employment.