CEO Corner
HUD Proposes Changes to the Equal Access Rule
Last week, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) signaled that the agency would soon release proposed changes to the Equal Access Rule, which allows people to choose shelter options that match their gender identity. According to the press release, HUD plans to adjust the rule to “protect women’s shelters” and replace the prohibition on discrimination against “gender identity” in all Community Planning and Development programs. The proposed rule change is now available on the Federal Register.
At a time when there are already so many existing threats to homelessness programs and affordable housing is increasingly harder to access, the federal government shouldn’t put up any additional barriers for people to receive these services. The Alliance strongly opposes efforts to change the Equal Access Rule or weaken the lifesaving protections it provides for gender-expansive people facing homelessness.
The Alliance is tracking this change closely, along with various national partners, and will provide updates as the rule is published and the public comment period opens.
Learn more about the importance of the Equal Access rule here.