At The Family Center, we are deeply committed to ensuring equal access to all of our programs and services. This policy is in place to affirm our compliance with HUD’s (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) final rule regarding equal access in accordance with an individual’s gender identity within community planning and development programs. We believe in providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone we serve.
Understanding key terms is crucial to this policy. Gender identity is defined as the gender with which a person identifies, regardless of the sex they were assigned at birth or how their gender is perceived by others. Perceived gender identity refers to how someone else interprets an individual’s gender based on their appearance, behavior, or other gender-related characteristics. Sexual orientation is defined as a person’s emotional or physical attraction to the same and/or opposite sex.
Our policy is clear: housing programs at The Family Center must be available to all individuals and families without discrimination based on actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, or marital status. Furthermore, in accordance with HUD regulations, The Family Center prohibits staff from inquiring about an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity when determining eligibility for any programs, benefits, housing, or services we offer.
To ensure these principles are upheld in practice, we have established clear procedures. Accommodations for individuals will be made based on their gender identity. Importantly, The Family Center provides shelter on-site for victims of domestic violence of all genders and gender identities, ensuring safety and support for everyone. Should an individual feel they have experienced discrimination based on their gender or gender identity, we have mechanisms in place for them to report their concerns. This includes filing a Grievance (form C-4201), reporting discrimination under the agency’s Non-Discrimination in Services Policy (C-7204), or reporting harassment according to our Harassment Policy (C-7301). We also ensure that an individual’s transgender status is kept confidential unless they explicitly grant permission to share this information. We encourage individuals to assess their own sense of safety within our shelter, and our staff is committed to accommodating reasonable requests related to safety.
The Family Center is dedicated to using appropriate and inclusive language in all communications, publications, training materials, personnel handbooks, and policy documents. This reflects our unwavering commitment to serving all eligible clients in full adherence to the HUD Equal Access Rule. We are committed to ensuring that all participants in our projects are fully aware of their rights to equal access, including privacy rights and the implications of releasing personal information.
The Family Center is dedicated to upholding these principles to create a safe, respectful, and equitable environment for everyone seeking our services. We encourage anyone who believes they have experienced discrimination to utilize the resources available to ensure their concerns are addressed.
