Steveningen posted news yesterday about the heartbreaking destruction by hurricane Sandy of the Ali Forney Center (AFC) for homeless LGBT youth.
Ali Forney Center destroyed by Hurricane Sandy
His post got some traction, but in a busy news day quickly slipped down the list of diaries. So... I'm reposting the story today hoping to get the word out.
Ali Forney Center:
New York City can be a brutal place for homeless youth and tragically, many young lives have been destroyed. At the AFC, we are making a difference by rescuing kids from the dangers of the streets and placing them into our safe, homelike environments.
AFC is working hard to provide our youth with the support and nourishment they need to succeed and thrive. We cannot do this work alone. We need the help and support of the broader community to make NYC a safer place for homeless LGBT youth. Thank you for your support and interest.
Carl Siciliano
Executive Director
This moving video tells the story of AFC:
Letter from Executive Director Carl Siciliano about the destruction:
Dear Friends, Yesterday we were finally able to inspect our drop-in center in Chelsea, half a block from the Hudson River. Our worst fears were realized; everything was destroyed and the space is uninhabitable. The water level went four feet high, destroying our phones, computers, refrigerator, food and supplies.
This is a terrible tragedy for the homeless LGBT youth we serve there. This space was dedicated to our most vulnerable kids, the thousands stranded on the streets without shelter, and was a place where they received food, showers, clothing, medical care, HIV testing and treatment, and mental health and substance abuse services. Basically a lifeline for LGBT kids whose lives are in danger.
We are currently scrambling for a plan to provide care to these desperate kids while we prepare to ultimately move into a larger space that will better meet our needs. The NYC LGBT Center has very kindly and generously offered to let us temporarily use some of their space, and we hope to determine the viability of that on Monday.
We have been deluged with kind offers from people who wish to volunteer and donate goods. Unfortunately, we will have to provide our services in the time being in much smaller spaces that won't accommodate volunteers or allow for much storage space. The best way people can reach out to help in this very challenging time is by making monetary donations. Please go to our website.
It is heartbreaking to see this space come to such a sad end. For the past seven years it has been a place of refuge to thousands of kids reeling from being thrown away by their parents for being LGBT. For many of these kids coming to our drop-in center provided their first encounter with a loving and affirming LGBT community. I thank all of you for your care and support in a most difficult time.
So... how can you help? Please rec, tip, comment and help lift this post to the REC list, let's get some eyeballs on this important story. Share with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, Google+... most importantly if you can spare some money donations are desperately needed.
DONATE HERE
Thank you.