LMM Rejects Federal Effort to Add Difficulties for Transgender Individuals Finding Housing
In July, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development published a proposed rule that would allow shelters who serve a single sex to turn away transgender persons whose assigned sex at birth differs from the shelter’s target community. If made law, this would add unnecessary barriers to shelter access for those in need while also adding bureaucracy to the management of emergency shelters. At LMM, we place great importance on the safety of our trans and gender nonconforming guests, and provide staff training that emphasizes cultural competency and respect for all clients. We oppose the proposed rule, and submitted the linked comment letter to HUD to outline our concerns. Read LMM's response here.
National Voter Registration Day
LMM believes that every Ohioan deserves the right to safe, fair, and accessible elections. To be eligible to participate in the upcoming election, you must be registered to vote before October 5th. (REGISTER HERE!) Already registered? Celebrate National Voter Registration Day on September 22 by encouraging your family and friends to register to vote or by participating in an event in your community!
Last Call for 2020 Census
At 50.1%, Cleveland has one of the lowest census completion rates in Ohio, which has an overall completion rate of 70%. This is alarming as for every person who does not complete the census, our community loses approximately $1,800 per person per year in federal funding for 10 years. The data collected through the decennial Census helps to determine how billions of dollars of federal funding flow into states and communities each year, impacting early childhood education, health clinics, housing, and roads and highways, and our representation in Congress. Visit 2020census.gov to complete the short form – the deadline is September 30th.
A Push Towards Justice: Annie Holden
This month, long-time LMM staff partner and leader of a weekly poetry class at the Men’s Shelter at 2100, Annie Holden, shares how poetry allows shelter residents to connect across race and class, and how deep-listening is something we should also work to do more often. Read more.
Annie Holden, Men's Shelter Case Manager
In Case You Missed It: Staff Advocacy Committee
In August, LMM’s Staff Advocacy Committee sent a letter to all LMM staff partners asking that they pledge to complete the 2020 Census and vote in the upcoming general election. This letter was the first major action of this staff committee, and is a preview of more action to come! Read the letter here.
