Giving Tuesday: Supporting Front Line LGBTQ Non-Profit Organizations During The COVID-19 Pandemic
Reaching our goals will allow us to support LGBTQ centers across the country, helping them serve their communities during this difficult time.
Thank you to everyone who contributed! We've reached our goal of $1000 and will be making a donation to a list of LGBTQ centers across the country, to be announced sometime next week.
Thank you all for your support!
In light of COVID-19, it is more important than ever to provide aid and support to our local partners, who serve LGBTQ+ Youth suffering from homelessness, two groups who are at a greater risk of physical and mental health challenges during this period of quarantine.
CoronaVirus has disproportionately affect Black, Brown and Indigenous communities, leading to higher health risks for BIPOC LGBTQ+ Youth. The Ally Coalition recognizes the increased race disparity and hopes to benefit communities of the highest need.
This Giving Tuesday, the Ally Coalition is donating all proceeds* to New Alternatives in New York and the Ruth Ellis Center in Detroit. New Alternatives and Ruth Ellis Center work on the frontlines in support of the Black, Brown and Indigenous LGBTQ+ community. Help us support LGBTQ+ youth that experience increased vulnerability during COVID-19 because of multiple identities. It is more important than ever to provide aid and support to our local partners, who work on the front lines for LGBTQ+ youth of color suffering from homelessness.
*Proceeds in this fund donated from May 1st- May 7th
New Alternatives serves LGBTQ+ youth in the NYC area, providing a wide range of services designed to help LGBTQ+ youth succeed in transitioning to stable adult lives. They provide basic needs, individual case management, recreational activities, education and life skills training, testing and prevention, and more.
The Ruth Ellis Center offers critical support for local homeless youth in need of resources, including mental health and wellness. While the drop-in center is currently closed to all non-essential staff and youth, folks are still able to call REC to schedule appointments and reach out for help.
Donate today to support local LGBTQ organizations across the country from centers like the San Diego LGBT Community Center in California, Oklahomans for Equality in Oklahoma, Bridge For Youth in Minnesota, New Alternatives in New York, to Magic City Acceptance Center in Alabama.
100% of all funds raised will be donated to our local partners.
IMPACT:
On LGBTQ Youth:
With schools closing and support groups being cancelled, many LGBTQ youth may find themselves without the resources and support that they need. Partners such as the Oasis Center in Tennessee are working hard to offer digital alternatives to their in-person support groups to minimize the negative effects of the mandatory social distancing.
Without this crucial support that our local partners provide, LGBTQ youth may find themselves struggling with their mental health as they're increasingly disconnected and isolated from their usual sources of support found in schools and local LGBTQ centers.
On Those Experiencing Homelessness:
Over 568,000 people experience homelessness in the US and 40 percent of all homeless youth are LGBTQ. Those experiencing homelessness are extremely vulnerable to the Coronavirus, in part due to the close living quarters in shelters, underlying medical conditions, and lack of access to healthcare. It is extremely important that they have the resources they need to stay safe and healthy. Local partners such as New Alternatives in New York City serve homeless youth, and are in dire need of supplies such as hand sanitizer, alcohol wipes, and more, to provide the best resources possible for these youth to stay safe and healthy during the pandemic.
Due to COVID-19's impacts on everyday life, our local partners are experiencing various hardships. Centers have had to reduce hours or even close in response to the mandatory social distancing in efforts to keep everyone healthy, leaving them with a limited number of staff but an increased number of clients in need of services.
Centers are also confronted with a severe lack of available supplies, rendering it more difficult for them to serve the LGBTQ community and at-risk populations without the necessary materials to do so.
Many local partners like SAGE Metro Portland in Oregon have had to cancel their annual fundraiser events, which comprised the majority of their annual funding. Without these essential funds, the centers will struggle to maintain their programs and serve their clients in the coming months.
For more information about local partners and COVID-19, visit: www.theallycoalition.org/covid-19/
Every dollar makes a difference. Please consider making a donation today 🏳️🌈