Proud Together
Supporting LGBTQ+ And Gender Non-Conforming Individuals Experiencing Homelessness
Calvary Women’s Services is dedicated to serving individuals experiencing homelessness as women throughout the year with our life-changing housing, health, employment, and education programs. During Pride Month, we are reminded of the ways we can empower LGBTQ+ and gender-nonconforming individuals who are disproportionately impacted by homelessness.
LGBTQ+ individuals experiencing homelessness face unique challenges and higher risks of discrimination. Nearly 3 in 10 LGBTQ+ adults have experienced housing discrimination based on their sexual orientation or gender identity, including being prevented or discouraged from buying a home, being denied access to a shelter, or experiencing harassment from housemates or neighbors. Moreover, LGBTQ+ adults are more likely to experience housing instability due to higher poverty rates and limited inclusive housing opportunities, highlighting the disproportionate risks faced by members of this community.
While 9% of young adults (ages 18-24) in DC identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community, 28% of unhoused adults in the same age group identify as LGBTQ+. Further studies underline these stark inequities, showing how LGBTQ+ youth across the country are 120% more likely to experience homelessness compared to their non-LGBTQ+ peers, which is often the cause of family rejection or discrimination due to their gender identity or sexual orientation.
By rallying together as a community, we can help ensure LGBTQ+ individuals experiencing homelessness have access to the support they need to regain their independence. Here are ways you can make an impact:
Stay up-to-date about the issues facing LGBTQ+ individuals, including homelessness, mental health conditions, and other issues that disparately impact this community.
Create safe, inclusive spaces, policies, and practices in your everyday life where people can express their needs and concerns in a respectful environment.
Volunteer your time and skills to support programs and services at organizations that provide housing to LBGTQ+ individuals in your community.
Through our collective efforts, we can ensure LGBTQ+ individuals experiencing homelessness have access to housing and support services year-round. To further support this work, we invite you to or learn about the following organizations: