Project T is Pittsburgh's Trans-Led Transitional Housing program, a project of SisTers PGH for Trans, non-binary, and other gender-nonconforming individuals (TGNC) those among the most likely to experience housing insecurity because of discrimination, housing affordability, transphobia, and the barriers of access disparity. These issues were apparent prior to the COVID19 pandemic; however, the pre
valence of these barriers has heightened as a result of the pandemic’s consequences regarding housing, health, and safety. Project T helps TGNC people transition from unstable environments and unsupportive communities to finding avenues to support and take care of themselves while connecting with the trans community via SisTers PGH and its programming. THE MISSION OF PROJECT T:
Project T is Trans-led, meaning the leadership of the project is intimately familiar with the specific barriers faced by the trans community. This includes the high rates of abuse, assault, misgendering, and a general misunderstanding of the TGNC experience that is typical at traditional shelters and temporary housing providers. Paired with the extremely high rates of homelessness, housing insecurity, and unemployment that TGNC people face due to social discrimination, Project T is essential. Project T provides safe and affordable housing for the trans and nonbinary communities of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County. More so, Project T helps individuals find the tools and resources they need to succeed and thrive personally, mentally, and professionally. VALUES
Solidarity, transparency, growth, meeting people where they are, supporting them where they want to go. VISION
Project T inspires us to demarginalize our trans and nonbinary communities of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County through affordable housing and transitional programs that set them up to thrive. Our work is essential. Black, trans-led housing provides a place of safety and care support for the most vulnerable population in the city. Beyond that, though, we hope to give our resilient community the necessary tools to thrive and grow into its true power. IMPACT
The impact of Project T is two-fold: uplifting TGNC individuals and collectively guaranteeing the success of the TGNC community. Individuals will have stable housing and utilize the tools and resources provided to them to succeed in the growing and thriving mentioned in our mission and vision statements. Collectively, Project T uplifts the most marginalized of the TGNC community and furthers the survival and thriving of the entire trans community.
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Being black, trans, and disabled is very tough living here in America, especially Pittsburgh to be more specific. In my lowest of times SistersPGH came through for me and helped me get back on my feet. Thanks to their program “Project T”, I was able to have shelter & build up funds for housing to better my living situation & gain full independence. I am very grateful for the work you ladies do, & I appreciate everything y’all have done for me. Wishing nothing but the best for my trans sibs and hoping more and more lives can be helped and impacted by the work that SistersPGH does. Thank you, much love.
— Zelayna B
LIFE SKILLS
Project T is a place where individuals will learn how to live on their own using the tools provided in the groups. These skills include budgeting, cooking, and self-care and will result in successful stable housing and income. Now, we are raising funds to support the first year of services - including mental health, sober living, case management, transportation, and more. As always, Project T is trans-led and focused on the needs and experiences of TGNC people of color. Our approach has an intersectional lens prioritizing the most marginalized community members. As such, any staff or volunteers engaged in the project will receive extensive training in conflict resolution and trans-specific needs and issues.
