Equal Access to Shelter, Housing and Services for Transgender and
Gender Non-Conforming Clients
PURPOSE
To ensure equal access to shelter, housing and services regardless of actual or perceived gender identity and/or gender expression.
POLICY
Where appropriate, [AGENCY NAME] will comply with the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Equal Access Rule and Notice CPD-15-02 on Appropriate Placement for Transgender Persons in Single-Sex Emergency Shelters and Other Facilities:
(https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp/housing_discrimination_and_persons_identifying_lgbtq#:~:text=HUD's%20Equal%20Access%20Rule%20requires,gender%20identity%2C%20or%20marital%20status), and Santa Clara Countywide Quality Assurance Standards for Homeless Housing and Service Programs:
(https://osh.sccgov.org/sites/g/files/exjcpb671/files/SCC%20CoC%20Quality%20Assurance%20Standards%20-%2010.9.20%20-%20HUD%20Mega%20Waiver.pdf).
This policy will be strictly enforced and a violation of this policy may lead to discipline, up to and including termination.
PROCEDURE
[AGENCY NAME] will adhere to current HUD and [NAME] County regulations/guidelines requiring that transgender and gender non-conforming clients be sheltered/housed according to their gender of identification, regardless of physical characteristics.
Single-sex shelter, transitional housing programs, and residential facilities will place clients according to the gender with which that person identifies. If the client does not identify with either binary gender, the client shall be placed in a shelter, housing, or residential situation that makes the client feel safest.
Transgender and gender non-conforming clients have access to bathrooms based on their gender identification, regardless of physical characteristics. Clients who do not identify as male or female should have access to whichever toilet/shower facilities best aligns with their gender identity. Where there are single-use showers and bathrooms in the facility designated for residents, transgender and gender non-conforming residents will be told about them and welcome to use them.
In shelters that separate resident sleeping accommodations by gender, transgender or gender nonconforming clients should be sheltered according to their gender identification, regardless of physical characteristics.
[AGENCY NAME] policy is to provide quality services in an environment where the needs of persons served are met and clients’ rights are protected. Such an environment is based on respect for the gender identity of each person served. Services will be provided in a courteous and affirming manner. [AGENCY NAME] will provide notice and training to all program staff to ensure compliance with written policies regarding equal access and client intake
