The Power of Home: Ensuring Housing Access for Every Michigander

Why Inclusive Housing Policies Matter — and How We’re Moving Forward Together

Pride Month is a time of celebration, reflection, and resilience. But this year, it also brought a sense of uncertainty. As federal housing protections are rolled back and critical programs face cuts, Community Housing Network is hearing from more people who are concerned about their future — and rightfully so.

We understand those concerns. But we’re also hopeful. Because here in Michigan, we’ve seen what’s possible when leadership prioritizes housing stability and equity for all.

Let’s take a closer look at what’s happening — and why, even in the face of federal setbacks, there are still strong reasons to believe in the power of home.

What’s Happening at the Federal Level?
In early 2025, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) paused enforcement of the 2016 Equal Access Rule — a policy that had protected people from discrimination in HUD-funded homeless shelters based on gender identity.

This change raises concerns about the safety and dignity of individuals who may now face barriers to accessing shelter that aligns with their identity. Research has shown that when people are placed in shelters that don’t reflect who they are, the risk of harassment and harm increases.

At the same time, staffing reductions at HUD are limiting the agency’s ability to enforce civil rights protections and support affordable housing programs. These developments threaten the systems that help keep people housed and safe.

Why Michigan’s Response Matters
While federal protections are shifting, Michigan is moving in a different direction — one that strengthens housing access and civil rights for all residents.

Community Housing Network is proud to operate in a state where policy decisions are nondiscriminatory. These efforts are not about politics — they’re about ensuring that everyone in our community has access to a safe, affordable place to call home.

Here’s what that looks like in practice:

✅Strengthening Civil Rights Protections
In 2023, Michigan amended the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to explicitly protect people from discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. This ensures that no one can be denied housing or services simply because of who they are.

✅Creating the State’s First LGBTQ+ Commission
Also in 2023, Michigan established a statewide LGBTQ+ Commission to advise on policies that impact residents’ access to housing, healthcare, and economic opportunity. This commission helps ensure that state decisions reflect the needs of all Michiganders.

✅Proactively Reviewing Federal Policy Changes
Earlier this year, the governor directed state departments to review recent federal executive orders that could impact diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts — a proactive step to ensure Michigan remains a place where everyone is treated with dignity.

Our Commitment
At Community Housing Network, we believe that everyone deserves a safe, stable, and affordable home — no matter their background, identity, or circumstances. That belief guides our work every day, and it’s why we continue to advocate for policies and programs that reduce housing instability across our region.

We know that housing is more than shelter. It’s safety. It’s stability. It’s the foundation for opportunity. And it’s something every person in our community should have access to.

Understanding the Housing Crisis Through a Broader Lens

According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, individuals who identify outside of traditional gender norms — including transgender and nonbinary people — experience disproportionately high rates of housing insecurity. Factors such as discrimination, gaps in legal protections, and limited access to affirming services all contribute to this challenge.

The data is especially concerning for youth. Nearly 28 percent of LGBTQ+ youth report experiencing some form of homelessness, with even higher rates among transgender and nonbinary youth. These numbers reflect a broader truth: when people are excluded from stable housing, the entire community feels the impact.

A Growing Concern: Housing Instability Among Seniors

While youth homelessness often garners attention — and rightly so — another crisis is emerging more quietly: LGBTQ+ seniors are now among the fastest-growing groups experiencing homelessness.

Many of these older adults have faced a lifetime of systemic barriers. They are more likely to live alone, less likely to have family support, and more vulnerable to poverty and isolation in their later years.

That’s why developments like the Raymond E. Shepherd House in Ferndale are so important. This 53-unit affordable housing community was designed to be inclusive and welcoming, offering seniors a safe place to age with dignity. Community Housing Network is proud to provide supportive services for 19 of the units through project-based vouchers.

But the need far exceeds the supply. As the political and economic environment remains uncertain, support from funders, developers, and community partners is essential to bring more inclusive, affordable housing projects to life.

What We Need from Policymakers

While the federal landscape presents challenges, state and local leaders have the power to make a meaningful difference. Here’s what we’re asking of our elected officials:

• Protect and enforce Michigan’s civil rights law: The Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act is a critical tool in preventing housing discrimination. Continued investment in enforcement is key to ensuring its effectiveness.
• Fund inclusive housing initiatives: Projects like Shepherd House should be models for replication. We need more investment in housing that meets the needs of all community members, including seniors and youth.
• Push back on harmful federal rollbacks: Michigan must continue to stand firm against policies that undermine housing access and civil rights.
• Include lived experience in policymaking: People with firsthand experience of housing instability — including those from historically marginalized communities — must have a voice in shaping housing policy.

Pride Is a Promise

As Pride Month comes to a close, we’re reflecting on the progress made and the work still ahead. We honor the resilience of those who continue to advocate for safe, stable housing — and we’re recommitting our mission.

Because Pride isn’t just a celebration. It’s a promise: that we will keep working to ensure everyone in our community has access to a home they can afford and a future they can count on.

To our LGBTQ+ neighbors: You are valued. You are welcome. And we will continue to stand with you in the fight for housing justice — because everyone deserves the power of home.

Learn more about the Fair and Equal Housing Act.  

Here is a list of Michigan-based organizations that offer support, advocacy, and resources for LGBTQ+ individuals and communities.