Dear Center Community,
As we reflect on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our community, we are especially concerned about those experiencing homelessness, especially our youth. Statistics show that 40% of youth experiencing homelessness identify as LGBTQ and the majority cite family rejection as the reason they are unhoused. Despite the strides our LGBTQ community has made toward equality and acceptance, homelessness for LGBTQ youth is still pervasive and heartbreaking. The Center is committed to being there for these young people, when their families are not, and we are doing just that with our Safe S.T.A.Y. program.
The Center’s Safe S.T.A.Y. program provides overnight emergency housing for youth ages 18-24, Monday-Friday, but it does so much more than provide a bed. LGBTQ youth that come to Safe S.T.A.Y. really are safe - they receive a warm welcome and a warm meal; they are able to take a shower and wash their clothes, many for the first time in a very long time; they can pick out new clothes and essentials; they have access to a case manager for mental health services, housing resources, community support, and more. And they receive all of this from affirming and competent staff, who are mostly LGBTQ themselves, who know their struggles and truly are there for them. As part of The Center's Housing Services, several youth who have come to Safe S.T.A.Y. for temporary help were able to move into permanent housing at The Center's Sunburst Youth Housing Project. This is our housing continuum in action - helping LGBTQ youth get off the streets and find somewhere safe to live. If you know a youth in need of Safe S.T.A.Y., or to inquire about a bed, please call us at (619) 694-6182.
All LGBTQ youth need and deserve essential support and resources, and it can make a life-changing difference for them, especially now. If you are able, please make a gift of any size to help The Center continue critical programs like Safe S.T.A.Y. during this pandemic. Thank you!
In community,
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-Cara Dessert (Pronouns: She/Her/Hers)
Chief Executive Officer
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HELP STOP THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
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You have the power to help your friends, family and community stop the spread of COVID-19 by adding your phone to California’s exposure notification system to get COVID-19 exposure alerts and to protect those around you.
Visit CA Notify to get started and once you activate CA Notify, it does all the work. All you do is keep your Bluetooth on and you will only receive alerts if you were in close contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19. Your privacy is protected as your identity is not known and your location is not tracked. Learn more and get started here.
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FAVORITE EVENTS RE-IMAGINED
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Due to the new Stay-At-Home order, the We Care 11 Holiday Drive has morphed from an in-person event at RICH’S to an opportunity to donate to support The Center’s Youth Programs and a Toy Drive!
Visit https://donate.thecentersd.org/WeCare to make a donation to support LGBTQ youth and The Center’s programs that support them. Or bring a new, unwrapped toy to Sunnyboy Biscuits at 3749 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92103 from December 11 - December 22 from 7am - 2pm to benefit the Imperial Court’s Toy Drive. The Center extends a big thank you to #CenterSupporter and community leader Junior Buendia for his continued support of this event that raises funds for The Center and our Youth programs.
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Every year at this time, generous #CenterSupporters host Holiday parties to raise funds for The Center's Programs and Services. Because of the new Stay-At-Home order that our community is facing, those fundraising events will be missed this year and will impact The Center's end of year fundraising and so we need your support. If you are able, any size donation will help fill the void of isolation with essential virtual support groups, feed our community, provide housing resources and rental relief, and fund the other critical Emergency Services that community members need this holiday season. If you'd like to help, make a special gift, or fundraise for The Center, visit donate.thecentersd.org/yourcenter.
Support comes in many ways! Thank you to our local Starbucks who is hosting a holiday drive to benefit The Center's programs. Drop off new blankets or socks, gently used jackets or any non-perishable items at the University Avenue and Richmond Street location. Thank you!
-Ian Johnson (Pronouns: He/Him/His)
Director of Development
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FOOD RESOURCES AT THE CENTER
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HAPPENING AT THE CENTER VIA ZOOM
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Please note The Center is closed
December 23 - December 27, 2020 and December 31, 2020 - January 3, 2021
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OPPORTUNITIES FOR COMMUNITY FEEDBACK
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With the new Stay-At-Home order in place, The Center knows how important it is to stay connected and create community. Join us and your community on Zoom for discussion and support groups, special events, and more - all tailored for you and your needs. Please visit our website, visit The Center's Facebook page, or call us at 619.692.2077 x 211 to find the right one for you.
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SHARE THE CENTER'S E-NEWS!
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