If you’ve seen Uptown Charlotte, you know all about its breathtakingly beautiful futuristic landscape and the amount of wealth that’s condensed in that one area alone. But you don’t have to look far to see the overwhelming number of homeless people almost everywhere. It’s such a dark contrast to the high end retail and big banks at Tryon and Trade streets.
surge of people rushing home from work and the many many tourist enjoying their lives and simply can’t be bothered with the “undesirables” are the faces of many unhoused Trans people trying to survive hoping someone will see them. No human being deserves to be overlooked and discarded by society in such a way.
Many of the people there simply can’t afford housing in the very city they have called home for years. Many stay here because they see that the laws surrounding homelessness and loitering aren’t as strict as they are in other places. Now as we face another round of evictions, we can’t help but wonder “Are we Next?”
Homelessness is one of the many road blocks trans people face during their journey. Trans people are especially vulnerable to becoming homeless or unhoused do to discrimination and possibly other factors due to their identities.
63% of transgendered adults are experiencing homelessness compared to the 49% of cis gendered adults. Statistics also shows us that the unsheltered have more health and safety issues than those who are.
Due to the pandemic and increasing inflation, many people in the LGBTQ community are facing a major housing crisis. Charlotte has a few resources that are available for everyone, however the resources specifically for trans women and men are extremely limited.
Charlotte has many local non profits that are providing resources for our trans brothers and sisters. However, these resources are coming from the same pot and without Donations and other ways to drive funding many of these resources are used up before the demand is met.
Safety is a huge factor when it comes to selecting housing options for trans people, even temporary housing options can cause some anxiety. So many of the local shelters are not an option making it even harder for those seeking housing security.
We here at ETHC are committed to erasing trans hate in the Carolinas but we need your help too. Our goal is to get more funding to the existing programs and or build new programs specifically for trans women and men of color. We have to start at the top, with our city and state leaders. That is why it is important for us to get out and Vote and to also encourage others to do so as well.
If you are currently homeless or think you will become homeless within the next 72 hours? Please visit MECKNC or checkout There’s Still Hope for Trans Specific Housing Options.
Fill out the confidential form below if we can help you any further.
