Where the Need Is Greatest

Started in response to dire need, the first transgender shelter in the country needs help

Nearly a year ago, Community Awareness for Transgender Support (CATS) established the first shelter in the nation for homeless transgender individuals. Today, the shelter located in Galveston serves four individuals, but the shelter is in trouble. Like many GLBT grassroots nonprofit groups, CATS faces the continual challenge of raising money. At press time, CATS had sufficient funds to cover March rent, utilities, and supplies, but support for April and beyond remained in question.

In a letter to supporters, CATS president Cristan Williams posed the problem in stark terms: "If we should fail, what should we say to the transgender who is homeless? What should we say to the transgender who cannot find work due to their gender status? What should we say to each other the next time a JoAnna McNamera, Karen Peppard, Damian Drake, Stephanie Rhyne, or Kelly Bishop take their own lives because they did not have the support they needed?"

To contribute to the CATS shelter, contact Williams at tghelp@tghelp.org, 281/585-8089 or 281/520-1098 (pager). Individuals can also make contributions to CATS Shelter Fund, c/o Capitol Bank, 3007 S. Shepherd Dr., Houston, TX 77098. –Tim Brookover

If you have any comments about this article, please email them to letters@outsmartmagazine.com.