Mutual aid has been the heart of the Trans Housing Initiative St. Louis (THISTL) since the beginning—it’s our oldest program and a lifeline for transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) folks facing tough times each winter. Donating to THISTL's Mutual Aid Fund ensures TGNC folks in the St. Louis region can access a low-barrier way to request financial assistance for secure and safe housing.Housing insecurity disproportionately impacts Trans individuals, particularly BIPOC and disabled community members, who often face systemic barriers to safe and stable housing. According to our 2023 report, nearly 40% of respondents reported living below the federal poverty line, and 58% of respondents live with a disability or identify as disabled. Our report highlights the challenges TGNC individuals face, including being forced out of family homes and encountering significant barriers to accessing emergency shelters and safe rental housing due to discrimination and a lack of resources. Your contribution directly supports our community in navigating these challenges, increasing access to secure housing and reducing the number of TGNC individuals facing winter without a safe place to stay. Learn more in our full report at https://thi-stl.org/Advocacy.Donations will be collected through January 2025, and applications will be available for folks to apply for funds in January. We distribute funds based on need and in alignment with our racial equity pledge: at least 60% of total aid serves Black individuals, reflecting St. Louis demographics. For transparency, we posted anonymous race and gender identity demographics of our mutual aid recepients from the previous year, and you can see them HERE. “Give from abundance, not from scarcity.”If you are in a position to give, we ask you to consider donating to this essential fund. Whether it’s $5, $20, or $500, every contribution helps build a stronger, more supportive community. After you donate, and/or for those unable to donate, please share this fundraiser with your friends, family, and networks. Amplifying this campaign helps us connect with others who may have abundance to share.
Additionally, if you want to make a one time, monthly, or annual donation to support THISTL programs, advocacy, and Trans staff, you can become a supporting member of THISTL! DONATE HERE.TO DONATE FOR THE 2024-'25 MUTUAL AID FUND, PLEASE FILL OUT THIS FORM AND PROVIDE YOUR PAYMENT INFORMATION.
We are deeply grateful for your generosity and commitment to Trans housing justice. Together, we can increase the chances that Transgender individuals and families have safe and stable housing this winter.THISTL is a 501(c)(3) organization, and your donation is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.