By The FirstSan Francisco Mayor London Breed unveiled her new plan to “end transgender homelessness” within five years; saying the community is most “at risk” for violence and other problems like substance abuse.
“Transgender, non-binary, and gender nonconforming San Franciscans are eighteen times more likely to experience homelessness compared to the general population, and we know that the rates are even higher for our minority trans communities,” said Mayor Breed. “With one of the largest TGNC populations in the country, we not only must ensure that all San Franciscans have access to housing and essential resources through continued investments, but we can show the country that we continue to be a leader on supporting and protecting our trans communities.”
“The TGNC community is uniquely at risk of homelessness, violence and poverty and these investments are critical to advancing the City’s equity strategies to improve services for our most vulnerable community members,” said San Francisco Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing, Executive Director, Shireen McSpadden. “We need to close the gaps in our system and these housing investments are an important complement to our new shelter investments for this community.”
Breed’s plan calls for:
- At least 150 long-term housing subsidies through the City’s Flexible Housing Subsidy Pool (FHSP) program.
- Acquisition and operations for a new Permanent Supportive Housing site for TGNC and LGBQ+ youth, with a focus on Transition Age Youth (TAY).
- $6 million over two years dedicated to fund short-term rental subsidies, flexible financial assistance, and support to build capacity among non-profit providers serving TGNC residents.
- $500,000 to fund behavioral health services for TGNC individuals experiencing homelessness or at-risk of homelessness, building on the $500,000 investment already supporting trans youth experiencing homelessness.
