To: Mary Ann Herman, Chair, Board of Commissioners, Home Forward, Housing Director, Central City Concern, and Ted Wheeler, Mayor of Portland
Transgender Housing Resources for Portland NOW!
This is a petition to demonstrate community support and need for transgender specific housing services/vouchers/assistance for City of Portland and Multnomah County transgender residents.
Why is this important?
Portland's transgender population is endangered and at a disproportionately higher risk of homelessness and housing discrimination. Transgender women of color experience even disproportionately higher rates of homelessness, unemployment and homicide due to prevailing animus against transgender individuals. For many in various stages of transition or for those who have accepted their new identity without transitioning, shelters are not a viable option.
Once on the street the homicide rate is grim. Last year alone over 400 transgender lives were extinguished due to anti-transgender violence worldwide, the majority of which were reported homeless. These weren't just simple murders. In many cases the victims were decapitated, burned, dismembered or horribly desecrated. This is the depth of the animosity and hatred trans people face on the streets. We must intervene.
We have taken great strides to create services for those marginalized by mental illness, addiction and HIV/AIDS but for over 30 years not one step of progress has been made towards protecting and sheltering the endangered transgender population. These are functioning, contributing members of society. They are doctors, nurses, teachers and therapists. They deserve the opportunity to thrive and enjoy the same resources, services and protections granted to other "at risk" populations.
This petition is to elevate trans voices to cry out to the Mayor, appropriate individuals at Home Forward and Central City Concern to take immediate action and implement trans-specific housing services in the city of Portland and all of Multnomah County.
Once on the street the homicide rate is grim. Last year alone over 400 transgender lives were extinguished due to anti-transgender violence worldwide, the majority of which were reported homeless. These weren't just simple murders. In many cases the victims were decapitated, burned, dismembered or horribly desecrated. This is the depth of the animosity and hatred trans people face on the streets. We must intervene.
We have taken great strides to create services for those marginalized by mental illness, addiction and HIV/AIDS but for over 30 years not one step of progress has been made towards protecting and sheltering the endangered transgender population. These are functioning, contributing members of society. They are doctors, nurses, teachers and therapists. They deserve the opportunity to thrive and enjoy the same resources, services and protections granted to other "at risk" populations.
This petition is to elevate trans voices to cry out to the Mayor, appropriate individuals at Home Forward and Central City Concern to take immediate action and implement trans-specific housing services in the city of Portland and all of Multnomah County.