About Us

On a Mission to End Housing Inequality

Not always does society accept how we show up. Not always does that experience develop a butterfly. Being transgender closes a lot of doors and presents a higher probability of homelessness, social status being non-existent, limited economic opportunities, and the highest possibility of exclusion from bio family and friends.

Every day, countless individuals around the world face struggles and challenges that can seem insurmountable. Fortunately, there are places like My Sistah's House, a safe haven for those in need, where individuals can find support, love, and a sense of belonging.

My Sistah’s House (MSH) is a grassroots, transgender-led organization in Memphis, Tennessee, that provides wraparound services for primarily Black and Brown transgender and non-binary individuals, including safe spaces, emergency shelter, and access to health and social services.

Certified as a Trauma-Informed Space

Our Story

My Sistah’s House was founded in 2016 by two transgender women of color, Kayla Gore and Ellyahnna C. Wattshal, who sought to bridge a gap in services for transgender and queer people of color (TQPOC) in Memphis, TN. in response to a crisis they were witnessing among their own community members.

Executive Director, Kayla Gore, converted a six-bedroom house she owns into an emergency housing facility with eight beds available for TLGBQ people in need of shelter. My Sistah’s House primarily serves TGNC people of color, many of whom have recently been released from incarceration, are experiencing intimate partner violence, and/or are experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity.

Expanding on our emergency housing program, MSH volunteer staff set up a bail fund for incarcerated trans women in the area and began offering our clients advocacy, legal, and multi-level resource assistance to help them secure permanent housing and stable income.

Because we serve a very large number of trans and non-binary people who are experiencing homelessness, MSH now includes our Tiny Homes Project. In the last year, we have raised funds to purchase land to build 20 tiny homes. To date, two homes have been built and as we build more, we are building a support programs to help those who enter the Tiny Homes Project in making the most of this housing opportunity, where they can stay for one year. During the year, Tiny Homes residents can access support services through MSH so that they can prepare to move into permanent housing.

As an ACTION (Act with Communities To Increase Opportunities and address Needs in the South) TIS (Trauma-Informed Space) certified organization, we are equipped to:

Recognize how physical spaces can affect individuals’ mental, emotional, social, and physical health and well-being.
Practice strategies in our organization to create trauma-informed and healing-centered spaces.
Understand the elements and best practices for creating trauma-informed spaces.
Connect the principles of trauma-informed care to physical and virtual spaces.
Understand the role of trauma-informed spaces in working alongside other justice movements (i.e., meaningful involvement of PLWHA, racial, language, and economic justice).

Meet The Team

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OUR IMPACT

MSH At Work

Resources in Tennessee

SisterReach

"Founded October 2011 in Memphis, TN, SisterReach is a grassroots 501(c)3 nonprofit that supports the reproductive autonomy of women and teens of color, poor and rural women, LGBTQIA+ people and their families through the framework of Reproductive Justice. Our mission is to empower our base to lead healthy lives, raise healthy families and live in healthy and sustainable communities."

Learn About Their Work