Bradley Angle opposes HUD’s proposed rule, “Equal Access to Housing in HUD Programs Revisions”
Bradley Angle opposes HUD’s proposed rule, “Equal Access to Housing in HUD Programs Revisions” Docket No. FR–6518–P–01, RIN 2501–AE12.
The proposed rule would create serious barriers to accessing shelter and services for many vulnerable community members, including LGBTQIA+ individuals. We are enraged.
The harder it becomes for individuals to safely access shelter, the longer they are likely to remain unsheltered. Many individuals experiencing homelessness or fleeing violence do not possess identification documents due to financial hardship, safety concerns, displacement, theft, or unstable living conditions. Requiring providers to obtain “reasonable assurances or evidence” regarding a person’s sex or gender identity before allowing access to shelter or services would create confusion, delays, and barriers during moments of crisis.
Join us now in advocating on behalf of equal access to housing!
Urge HUD to to withdraw the proposed rule and maintain existing Equal Access protections for HUD-funded housing and homelessness programs.
Subject Line: Re: Equal Access to Housing in HUD Programs Revisions, Docket No.FR–6518–P–01, RIN 2501–AE12
Dear Secretary Turner:
I am submitting this comment in opposition to HUD’s proposed rule, “Equal Access to Housing in HUD Programs Revisions.”
The proposed rule would create serious barriers to accessing shelter and services for many vulnerable community members, including LGBTQIA+ individuals.
Many individuals experiencing homelessness or fleeing violence do not possess identification documents due to financial hardship, safety concerns, displacement, theft, or unstable living conditions. Requiring providers to obtain “reasonable assurances or evidence” regarding a person’s sex before allowing access to shelter or services would create confusion, delays, and barriers during moments of crisis.
Examples may include:
• Increased barriers to shelter access
• Increased unsheltered homelessness
• Safety concerns for clients
• Challenges serving domestic violence survivors
• Increased fear among LGBTQIA+ clients
• Delays during crisis response
• Reduced trust in providers or public systems
• Difficulty maintaining low-barrier shelter access
The harder it becomes for individuals to safely access shelter, the longer they are likely to remain unsheltered. Unsheltered individuals face increased risks of violence, exploitation, severe weather exposure, worsening health conditions, and other harms.
I am deeply concerned that the proposed rule creates operational uncertainty and conflicts with state and local nondiscrimination protections, including Oregon law prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
At a time when communities across the country are experiencing rising homelessness and housing instability, service providers need policies that reduce barriers to shelter and housing access — not policies that create additional obstacles for vulnerable individuals seeking safety and care.
For these reasons, I strongly urge HUD to withdraw the proposed rule in its entirety and maintain existing Equal Access protections for HUD-funded housing and homelessness programs.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment.
Sincerely,
[NAME]
[TITLE]
[ORGANIZATION]
