To our Family:
First, I hope you are all staying healthy and following the Governor’s Stay At Home Order. By following these guidelines and staying home, we can all do our part to stop this global pandemic, for ourselves and the most vulnerable among us. We truly are all in this together.
Since I last wrote to you, there have been several new updates and programs to help Californians including an announcement by Governor Newsom that banks would be waiving mortgage fees; Covered California is offering a path to health insurance; the City of Sacramento approved a ban on evictions as well as a $1 million economic relief package for small businesses, free metered parking, childcare for healthcare workers, and additional resources for the homeless; and the federal government approved a $2 trillion relief bill that will send money directly to Americans, greatly expand unemployment coverage; and make a number of other changes. Keep informed on the Center’s COVID-19 Resource web page.
The Center continues to provide Emergency Services with our community resource and referral line in Spanish and English; sexual health navigation; support groups via Zoom video conferencing; crime victim services including emergency shelter, counseling, and legal services; emergency food, clothing, and supply packs to go for youth experiencing homelessness and a queer youth chat space and video conference youth groups. Our emergency shelter and transitional housing for youth experiencing homelessness continue to operate at their maximum capacity 24-7. Other support groups and 12-step recovery groups are setting up Zoom meetings as well.
Please know, that although our physical doors are not open, we are here for you, and we are only a phone call or an email away. Please contact us for any reason at (916) 442-0185.
Lastly, I let you know two weeks ago that we were forced to postpone several events through the end of March. We have now extended cancellations through the end of April and are considering postponement of Sacramento Pride and fundraising events held over the summer, as our first priority is the health and safety of our community. It’s hard to convey the impact this significant drop in funding and loss of major events has had, and will continue to have, on the Center and our ability to serve our LGBTQ+ community. However, I am confident we will get through this together.
Please, if you are able, consider a donation to our Center Emergency Fund to help us meet the increased and changing needs of our community due to COVID-19. No gift is too big or too small to bring resources, hope, relief, and support to our LGBTQ+ community now and in the future.
Thank you and please take good care of one another. We will get through this together.
In Solidarity,
David Heitstuman
CEO