By Ted Cohen
Barring an immediate cash infusion, Pride Center of Vermont is closing its doors as of Oct. 10 “due to a critical funding shortfall,” according to its website.
The gay-rights center announced Thursday that in order to keep operating, it would have had to have raised $350,000.
“If you’ve benefited from our work, believe in our mission, or simply want to stand up for equity, please consider giving today” the Burlington-based center said on its website.
“We’ve been a gathering place, a resource, a shoulder to lean on, and a community built on care, connection, and pride,” center officials said.
The facility, which has been in business 26 years, runs what it calls the “Trans Program,” the SafeSpace Anti-Violence Hotline, and Health & Wellness HIV testing and harm-reduction services.
“While we are pausing regular operations, we are exploring every opportunity to continue supporting our program participants, particularly SafeSpace survivors and Health & Wellness participants, and will be communicating with them directly to ensure continuity of support,” center leaders said.
Besides running gay-rights programs, the center, founded in 1999, puts on an annual Pride Parade & Festival in Burlington.
Pride Center of Vermont website:
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