PETITION: Affordable Hausing for LGBTQI2S+ People in Cleveland
We, the undersigned, call on Cleveland community leaders to urgently address and prioritize the creation of affordable housing for the LGBTQI2S+ community in Cleveland, Ohio. This is not a call out but rather a pathway for us to express our significant concern. Housing insecurity is disproportionately impacting our LGBTQI2S+ neighbors, making it a critical issue that requires immediate and dedicated attention.
In Cleveland, Ohio, a significant portion of the LGBTQI2S+ community faces homelessness and housing instability. Cuyahoga County has seen an alarming increase in the number of unsheltered transgender individuals; LGBTQI2S+ Black, Brown and Indigenous people; LGBTQI2S+ people with disabilities; and LGBTQI2S+ immigrants.
Affordable housing significantly impacts mental health alongside its influence on areas like healthcare, employment, and safety. Here’s an expanded view of how affordable housing contributes to these aspects:
- Health Care: Access to affordable housing reduces financial strain, which in turn can decrease stress and anxiety levels, contributing to better overall mental health. Stable housing also increases accessibility to consistent healthcare services, including mental health support and treatment, by providing a reliable location for service delivery.
- Employment: Stable housing provides a secure base from which to search for and retain employment. Employment not only provides better financial stability but also may provide a sense of purpose and identity.
- Safety: Access to housing reduces exposure to community violence, which is associated with a range of mental health issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. Furthermore, stable communities can foster social networks that provide emotional support during times of stress.
- Food: Stable, affordable housing plays a critical role in facilitating access to fresh food and promoting healthy eating habits because having a kitchen and refrigeration is crucial for storing perishable food items and preparing healthy meals at home. Moreover, this also enhances mental well-being by reducing stress and anxiety related to food insecurity and poor diet.
Overall, the integration of affordable housing solutions within communities is a powerful tool not only for improving physical health and socio-economic conditions but also as a preventive measure and therapeutic aid in mental health. By investing in affordable housing, communities can create a stable environment that supports mental and emotional well-being, leading to healthier, more productive societies.
- Increased Funding and Resources: We urge community leaders to allocate increased funding and resources towards affordable housing projects specifically aimed at supporting the LGBTQI2S+ community.
- Policy and Program Development: We call for the development and implementation of policies and programs that recognize and address the unique challenges faced by LGBTQI2S+ individuals in securing stable, safe, and affordable housing.
- Community Collaboration: We advocate for strengthening partnerships with organizations, which have direct insights and connections within the LGBTQI2S+ community to ensure that the solutions developed are inclusive and effective.
- Develop comprehensive housing solutions that are inclusive of sexual orientation, gender identity, and language and accessibility needs.
- Support and expand initiatives that provide not only housing but also holistic support services.
- Ensure that LGBTQI2S+ individuals have equal opportunities to access all housing services, benefits, and programs without discrimination.
In signing this petition, we are advocating for solutions that create affordable housing and combat housing insecurity among LGBTQI2S+ individuals. We believe that no one should be without a home because of their sexual orientation, gender identity, race, language, disability, and age.
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