Oppose HUD's Proposed Elimination of the Equal Access Rule
Organizational Sign-On Letter
Deadline: 12:00 pm CT on Monday, June 29, 2026
Housing Action Illinois invites organizations across the state to sign on to a letter opposing HUD’s proposed rescission of the Equal Access Rule (EAR). The EAR guarantees equal access to programs and services funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or marital status.
Background on the Equal Access Rule
The EAR was originally issued over ten years ago to ensure family members, including fathers, teenage boys, and grandparents, could access shelter together. It was later updated to address barriers faced by transgender, non-binary, and gender nonconforming people when accessing single-sex facilities. In practice, the EAR means a family can stay together in a shelter with their teenage son, and that a transgender person can access life-saving resources.
Why This Matters
The letter addresses key impacts of rescinding the EAR:
- Transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming individuals would lose critical protections
- All people experiencing homelessness would be affected, not only LGBTQI+ individuals
- Homelessness rates would likely increase, straining local and state budgets
- State and local protections for LGBTQI+ individuals could be undermined
Learn More
Review additional resources on the proposed rule change from the National Low Income Housing Coalition and Advocates for Trans Equality.
Read the letter »
Deadline: Sign the letter by 12:00 pm CT on Monday, June 29, 2026.
Complete the form below and click submit to add your organization's name to the letter.
Not able to sign on for an organization?
Individuals can also submit comments via regulations.gov. HUD must read and account for comments in a published final rule. Find step-by-step instructions on how to submit comments here.
Comments or questions? Contact [email protected].
