Research and News Roundup:
LGBTQ+ Homelessness
Photo by Steve Johnson on Unsplash
Mary Ann Priester
Senior Management Analyst
Mecklenburg County Community Support Services
The Research and News Roundup is a monthly blog series that features a curated list of recent news and research related to housing instability, homelessness, and affordable housing. Together, these topics provide insights about the full housing continuum and provide community stakeholders with information about emergent research, promising practices, and innovative solutions related to housing and homelessness.
In observance of Pride month, this month’s Research and News Roundup highlights housing challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals and necessary policy and practice reforms to meet their unique needs.
HOUSING INSTABILITY
The Impact of Houselessness and Food Insecurity on the Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Young People
This April 2025 Trevor Project research brief indicates that 40% of LGBTQ+ young people have experienced food insecurity, houselessness, or unmet basic needs, with transgender and nonbinary youth facing 77% higher odds of food insecurity, 73% higher odds of houselessness, and 67% higher odds of unmet needs compared to their cisgender LGB peers. Food insecurity, being houseless, and having unmet basic needs were linked to higher odds of depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts. Economic insecurity has a significant impact on the mental health of LGBTQ+ youth. Affirming mental health services and policies and programming that focus on basic needs are essential to supporting this vulnerable population.
HOMELESSNESS
Trans Individuals Facing Homelessness: A Systematic Literature Review
This April 2025 Trevor Project research brief indicates that 40% of LGBTQ+ young people have experienced food insecurity, houselessness, or unmet basic needs, with transgender and nonbinary youth facing 77% higher odds of food insecurity, 73% higher odds of houselessness, and 67% higher odds of unmet needs compared to their cisgender LGB peers. Food insecurity, being houseless, and having unmet basic needs were linked to higher odds of depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts. Economic insecurity has a significant impact on the mental health of LGBTQ+ youth. Affirming mental health services and policies and programming that focus on basic needs are essential to supporting this vulnerable population.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
LGBT People and Housing Affordability, Discrimination, and Homelessness
LGBT people in the United States face higher poverty rates, lower homeownership, lower homeownership, greater rental dependency, and increased homelessness compared to their non-LGBT peers. Discriminatory lending practices, insufficient down-payment savings, and a lack of explicit federal legal protections related to housing and employment for sexual orientation or gender identity are contributing factors to these outcomes. The report calls for stronger anti-discrimination legislation, supportive financial services, inclusive housing services, and improved data collection to address the systemic causes of housing insecurity among LGBT populations.
SO WHY DOES THIS MATTER?
Together, findings from these studies provide critical information for Mecklenburg County to consider as it works to address housing instability and homelessness. LGBTQ+ individuals are disproportionately affected by systemic discrimination, poverty, and lack of inclusive, affirming services, all of which increase their risk of housing instability. Recognizing and responding to these inequities are necessary to build a housing system that is equitable and effective. Centering the unique needs of LGBTQ+ residents in system planning and implementation can help Mecklenburg County make meaningful progress toward ensuring that housing is safe, stable, and accessible for all.
