Our hearts are heavy.
While we are witnessing the beginning of a war that will likely kill, displace and make so many Ukrainian citizens homeless, we also woke up to new devastating news for some of our most vulnerable youth and Americans this week.
Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas issued a directive that criminalized gender-affirming medicine and support for trans and nonbinary youth. Health care workers, teachers, social workers and other Texans have been tasked with the cruel job of reporting trans and non binary youth to Child Protective Services so that their parents can be investigated for child abuse.
When we talk about systemic causes of homelessness, this is what we mean. Laws that make people unsafe in their homes and communities, and that will require loving parents to deny their children the opportunity to become their full selves and access their full potential, are not laws that protect people. They will undoubtedly lead to more trans and nonbinary youth, already disproportionately impacted by homelessness and violence, fleeing home and likely ending up with reduced support networks and resources.
As an organization that aims to end homelessness and celebrates the beauty of each individual no matter their gender, race, sexuality, country of origin, or housing status, we cannot stand silently by when we witness state level actions that will cause more people to deteriorate in their mental health, their family and community ties and ultimately in their housing stability.
If you are outraged as well or want to learn more, please consider looking into and making donations to the following causes:
https://txtranshealth.org/
https://www.transtexas.org/
https://allgo.org/
https://thriveyouthcenter.org/
University District Neighborhood| Phoebe
A QUIET THOUGHT - If you’re moved by the goodness of this community, please visit http://www.facinghomelessness.org/ and click on the ‘donate’ button and consider a gift that is meaningful to you--even a “monthly recurring” donation of just $5 in support of the work. Thank you!
#facinghomelessness #windowofkindness #TheBLOCKProject #kindness
