Less than a week into San Antonio’s shelter-in-place order, it is clear as ever that our LGBTQ+ community needs our help. In a call to action, The Center – Pride Center San Antonio is launching the city’s LGBTQ+ Emergency Fund, which will offer monetary aid to those affected by COVID-19.
The fate of San Antonio’s LGBTQ community that does not work in places deemed “essential” businesses and those who make their livings in the service-industry are facing near-certain hardships ahead.
Although likely to be extended, current orders have our city closed until at least through April 9, 2020. This unprecedented closing time has led The Center to believe that organized fundraiser campaigns like the LGBTQ+ Emergency Fund, are needed to guarantee the wellbeing of San Antonio’s LGBTQ+ community.
“San Antonio is known as a compassionate city.” said Robert Salcido, executive director of The Center. “Let’s keep our LGBTQ+ community thriving by lending a helping hand to those that may need our help during these uncertain times.”
The LGBTQ+ Emergency Fund’s first milestone goal is to connect with our LGBTQ+ and ally community throughout San Antonio to bring awareness to the plights that are faced or will be faced by those affected by COVID-19.
To ensure that the fund provides sufficient relief to affected individuals, we will have an application process launched soon for lifeline expenses to be considered for this emergency assistance.
Those eligible to receive emergency assistance from the fund include:
- LGBTQ+ identified persons
- Must have been laid off due to the temporary closing of your place of employment and/or
- Suffered a loss in hours due to the temporary closing or reduction in work from your place of employment.
- Resides in San Antonio/Bexar County
- Applicants should be considered low- to moderate- income for the San Antonio area.
- If selected, applicants will be required to provide additional documentation to support their application before funding is processed.
APPLICATION NOW OPEN
To ensure that the fund provides sufficient relief to affected individuals, we are limiting the funding to life-line expenses only. A life-line expense that would be considered is:
- Rent
- Electricity, Gas
- Basic Telephone / Internet Service
- Food (normal basic maintenance)
To help start the fund, Pride Center San Antonio’s Board of Directors have committed to matching the first $1,000 received from community contributions.
Our ask to you:
- Community members, businesses, and others that are financially able to contribute, to please consider making a donation to the LGBTQ+ Community Emergency Fund. Whether $5, $50, or $500, any amount will go towards helping our fellow community members experiencing a challenge at this time.
- Please share with your friends and family. Know of a business that would like to contribute please share this with them or let us know.
Pride Center San Antonio, Inc is a federally recognized nonprofit – 501c3 organization. All donations are tax deductible to the extent of the law.