Trans Housing Initiative St. Louis (THISTL) is a trans-led organization committed to tackling systemic injustices in housing that transgender people face in the St. Louis region. THISTL strives to end homelessness and housing instability for trans and gender expansive humans by building equitable access to shelter, housing, and homeownership.
THISTL centers safe and stable housing as the foundation for improving quality of life, along with the belief that everyone is deserving of that opportunity and does not believe people have to prove their worthiness or jump through any hoops to deserve housing.
THISTL’s work focuses on advocacy and education across all aspects of the housing sector to create safe and inclusive solutions. Their efforts include shifting policy in the emergency housing system and rental market, compiling a list of safe and inclusive real estate agents and banks, offering credit and economic wellness workshops, providing homebuyer education opportunities, hosting name change and legal document update clinics, and supporting community mutual aid initiatives.
Thanks in part to Mary’s Pence funding, THISTL’s holistic, housing-first approach has resulted in 3 new homeowners thus far and many more are expected.
Website: Trans Housing Initiative St. Louis – THISTL