approved during the Obama administration, all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, are entitled to access programs, shelters, or other accommodations made available through HUD’s Office of Community Planning and Development.
The rule also required shelters receiving federal money to establish or amend policies and procedures to ensure equal access and protect the privacy and security of individuals housed in shelters based on their gender identity.“Access to safe, stable housing and shelter is a basic necessity,” HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge said in a statement. “Unfortunately, transgender and gender-nonconforming people report more instances of housing instability and homelessness than cisgender people.