Do you know about HouseProud and its Pledge Project?

As part of our content during Pride month we, at HQN, would like to take the opportunity to promote our colleagues at HouseProud, the network for LGBTQ+ people working in social housing and their HouseProud Pledge project.

The HouseProud Pledge

The HouseProud Pledge was developed in partnership with Stonewall Housing and the University of Surrey and is aimed at improving social housing for the better for LGBTQ+ residents.

The HouseProud Pledge invites all social housing providers to commit to fostering LGBTQ+ resident equality and support. By signing up, providers demonstrate a genuine commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ residents, which have been highlighted in the landmark study, ‘No Place Like Home?’

Addressing the need: Why is the Pledge Necessary?

The home as a safe haven

For LGBTQ+ individuals, a home should be a sanctuary where they can freely express their sexual orientation and gender identity without fear. However, despite progress in equality laws, many LGBTQ+ residents still face discrimination. HouseProud’s research shows that 60% of trans respondents do not feel safe in their neighbourhoods, and one in five gay men modify their homes to conceal their identity from housing staff. Additionally, a third of respondents believe their housing providers are ineffective in handling harassment.

Mitigating discrimination

The pledge addresses these serious issues by creating a framework for housing providers to take tangible actions, ensuring that LGBTQ+ residents feel safe, supported and respected in their homes.

What the pledge involves

The HouseProud Pledge consists of two levels of accreditation—Pledge Pioneer and Pledge Plus—each requiring specific commitments and evidence of progress.

Core commitments for Pledge Pioneer Accreditation:

1. LGBTQ+ Input at Executive/Strategic Level: providers must ensure LGBTQ+ residents have a voice in executive decisions, evidenced by resident group meetings, policy impact assessments and senior champions advocating for LGBTQ+ issues.
2. Increasing LGBTQ+ Visibility: housing providers must promote the Pledge Scheme through their websites, annual reports, social media and staff inductions to raise awareness and show their commitment.
3. Staff Training on LGBTQ+ Lives: providers must implement training programmes to improve staff understanding of LGBTQ+ issues, ensuring frontline workers are equipped to support LGBTQ+ residents effectively.

Advancing to Pledge Plus. For those ready to advance, Pledge Plus requires evidence of resident consultation, action plans, progress tracking, and embedded goals within the organisation, culminating in a comprehensive and sustained approach to supporting LGBTQ+ residents.

How to sign up

Joining the HouseProud Pledge is straightforward and free of charge. Housing providers can sign up by emailing [email protected] with ‘HouseProud Pledge’ in the title.

The HouseProud Pledge is more than just a commitment—it’s a movement towards inclusivity, safety and respect for LGBTQ+ residents in social housing.

By signing up, housing providers not only demonstrate their dedication to equality but also pave the way for a more supportive and inclusive housing sector.

Together, we can ensure that all residents, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, feel at home in their communities.