By Kolby R. LaMarche

Last week, the Vermont Pride Center (VTPC), a cornerstone of support for the state’s LGBTQ+ community, announced an indefinite “pause in operations”, citing severe financial difficulties. 

The sudden closure, which included staff terminations with a 24 hours’ notice, has disrupted critical services such as the Safe Space anti-violence warm line, free HIV testing, and health navigation support, the organization says. 

Over the weekend, Ben & Jerry’s announced it has committed to matching donations up to $10,000 to aid the Center, while two former staff members have launched their own personal GoFundMe campaigns to address their financial uncertainty, both promoted by VTPC. 

“We are deeply moved by the extraordinary outpouring of support from the community, Thank You. Your messages, donations, and solidarity remind us why this work matters,” VTPC’s Board said in a statement.

The VTPC has also shared the names of organizations who will, in the interim, provide support to some of the services and programs provided by the VTPC. These include: VermontCares, Steps to End Domestic Violence, Vermont Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, the Howard Center, and Pathways. 

The closure has drawn criticism from former staff, however, who described the Board’s decision as abrupt and harmful. 

Kell Arbor, a trans, queer, and HIV-positive former employee, launched a GoFundMe to cover personal expenses after losing the job for the second time in six months. Arbor was the organization’s health and wellness director.  

Arbor noted that staff had repeatedly urged the Board to fundraise and develop contingency plans, stating, “For many months (years for some of us), we have been asking our various Boards to fundraise and create contingency plans so that our work can be sustained through these difficult times. Unfortunately, there have been little to no meaningful attempts at securing funding.”

Richard Elliott, another former staff member and drag performer, also launched a GoFundMe titled “Keep Richard Housed.” In his appeal, Elliott stated, “I don’t ever ask for much, especially help. But I am this time.” His campaign aims to provide financial stability following the sudden job loss. 

Elliot was the center’s health and wellness manager.  

The Pride Center’s financial struggles stem partly from its reliance on reimbursement-based grants, which require organizations to cover operating costs upfront. 

The Board’s statement indicated that additional fundraising events are planned, though details remain forthcoming.