What Is... Haus of Codec

What is Haus of Codec and How Did It All Begin?

In 2021, five of us came together (myself, Julio Berroa, Haley Johnson, Charlotte Peters, and Alex Ruiz) to tackle a long-standing issue in our community: creating a safe, welcoming space for queer youth. The result was Haus of Codec, a grassroots initiative born from love, necessity, and a bold vision for change. That June, we launched our first outdoor marketplace, featuring 18 local queer-owned businesses, artists, community organizations, food, music, and, most importantly, people hungry for connection. More than just a market, it became a movement. At these events, we shared our dream: opening an emergency shelter for LGBTQQIA+ youth aged 18–24. With overwhelming community support, that dream became a reality on December 1, 2021, when we opened a six-bed shelter run entirely by volunteers. Since then, we have provided daily meals, case management, and workplace opportunities through our markets. Most importantly, we have given young queer people something they often lacked: a place to truly call home.

Haus of Codec Today

Four years in, Haus of Codec has blossomed into a vital hub for nearly 500 artists, performers, and community organizations—all united in supporting unhoused and at-risk youth. Now, we operate a 16-bed facility with 24/7 access to food, clothing, and essential services. We have supported nearly 100 young people, distributing over $400,000 in rental assistance and mutual aid. As the needs of our community have evolved, so have the services and resources we bring to our marketplaces. In addition to hosting vaccine clinics, HIV testing, and clothing swaps, we now offer free name change clinics—complete with financial assistance and expert guidance—to ensure our trans community members can access affirming ID services with dignity and support.

When the Ground Shifts: How We Faced a Crisis Overnight

In 2022, we experienced a transformative breakthrough. A federal grant supercharged our growth, allowing us to expand operations almost overnight. For the first time, our team and clients felt the rare comfort of stability—uninterrupted services, secure housing, and a growing network of support for LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness. It was a moment of triumph, and it felt like just the beginning.

But on January 27, 2025, everything changed. In a sweeping executive order, the current administration abruptly froze all government grants and contracts. The order claimed to eliminate what it called “wokeness” and “Marxist equity,” labeling essential social programs—including those supporting trans youth and sustainable housing initiatives—as wasteful. The language was not just political; it was personal. We, and countless organizations like ours, suddenly found ourselves targeted, defunded, and scrambling to survive.

With less than 24 hours before the funding pipeline was set to close, our leadership team leapt into crisis mode. That night was a blur of urgent calls, spreadsheets, contingency plans, and heartbreak. We drew down what remaining federal funds we could, unsure whether they would stretch far enough to protect those who depend on us.

By morning, the gravity of the situation had sunk in. We convened our board of directors, contacted state lawmakers, and devised a painful but necessary plan: to lay off our entire staff and revert to an all-volunteer model. It was a gut-wrenching decision. But if it meant our clients would continue to have a safe place to call home, we chose to persevere.

Then, as quickly as it had begun, the storm seemed to pass. The administration rescinded the executive order. Relief came—but it was not without scars. Our team was left emotionally drained, physically exhausted, and unsure of what the future might hold.

Still, if there’s one thing we know, it’s resilience. We have always fought for those on society’s margins and will continue to do so—no matter how unstable the ground may become.

Our Future and How the Community Can Continue to Show Up

As Pride Season begins, uncertainty hangs heavy. State budget cuts threaten homeless services, Providence faces a possible property tax hike, and essential federal programs like SNAP and Medicaid/Medicare are at risk. Our Queer and Trans communities continue to endure the consequences of volatile political decisions.

In the face of these challenges, we choose to hold each other close, support one another, and weather the storm together. We are deeply grateful for our community—our staff, volunteers, artists, drag performers, and partners—who work tirelessly to ensure the young people we serve at Haus of Codec have what they need to thrive.

Each client we serve is unique, kind-hearted, and deserving of a chosen family, just like the elders who built this community before them. If you’d like to support or learn more about our work, visit HausofCodec.org, stop by our Sunday Pride Marketplace on June 22, join us for Monthly Drag Trivia hosted by Ladda Nurv at The Black Sheep, or attend our annual fundraiser Living Colors on October 4, 2025, at Farm Fresh Rhode Island.

We’re proud to be part of Rhode Island’s vibrant LGBTQQIA+ community. As we celebrate and resist, let’s ensure no one is left behind.

Happy Pride Month! Let’s not forget to be Queer All Year!