TransLife Project

The mission of the new TransLife Project is to provide a trans-specific employment support program, fixed and scattered site housing for transgender persons, and linkage to culturally-competent healthcare and social services. In meeting our vision, we will provide direct services and utilize partnerships and collaborations to help transgender persons overcome poverty and reduce their risks of experiencing homelessness, underemployment, violence, health disparities, and HIV infection.

“Vanessa”, aged 25, came to Chicago House after periods of intermittent homelessness and unemployment. As often happens with transgender youth, Vanessa’s family had removed her from their home after she came out as a transgender person and she had experienced violence during her periods of homelessness.

At Chicago House, Vanessa enrolled in our Employment Program and began receiving employment training and support services. During her enrollment, she noted areas of improvement we could make in serving transgender clients. Specifically, some participants felt alienated by the failure to recognize and incorporate trans-specific content into the Employment Program curriculum. Her feedback has been part of the inspiration for the TransLife Project.

During her enrollment in our programming, Vanessa has helped recruit and serve as a mentor to other transgender participants. She recently obtained a permanent employment position in the health services field and through Chicago House was linked to legal resources to assist with her name change.