City of Savannah: Official News, Events & Community Updates
- MOU renews collaboration between City of Savannah and Savannah Pride Center to expand inclusive community support and partnership.
- Funds are earmarked for LGBTQIA+ people experiencing homelessness, youth, and older adults and to support the Human Rights Campaign Municipal Equity Index.
- Savannah Pride Center will use funds equally for housing support, a 30 to 90 day sheltering program, and other affirming services.
Check Presentation, MOU Signal New Beginning with City of Savannah and Savannah Pride Center
SAVANNAH – The City of Savannah presented a check for $10,000, this morning to the Savannah Pride Center as part of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two entities.
City leaders, volunteers, and others gathered at Savannah Pride Center to witness the donation, which signifies a renewed collaboration with the City and SPC in the continued fight for community, support, and partnership.
“We believe in supporting all of Savannah and are excited to offer this donation through our PROUD Savannah Task Force. This partnership reflects Savannah at its best–compassionate, collaborative, and committed to ensuring that every resident has access to dignity, safety, and opportunity,” said Mayor Van R. Johnson, II. “At a time when many organizations serving vulnerable communities are facing uncertainty and shrinking resources, the City of Savannah is proud to stand with our PROUD Savannah Task Force and the Savannah Pride Center in support of LGBTQIA+ youth, older adults, and individuals experiencing homelessness. Together, we are building a city that is more inclusive, more equitable, and stronger for all.”
Specifically, as outlined in the attached MOU, the funds are earmarked to support LGBQTIA+ individuals experiencing homelessness; LGBTQIA+ youth; and LGBTQIA+ older individuals. Additionally, the monies support the City’s efforts in fulfilling its responsibility within the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equity Index. The MEI examines cities’ laws, policies, and services to LGBTQIA+ residents and employees to rate effectiveness, creating an opportunity to partner for improvement and growth for the City, thus, benefiting Savannahians.
This initiative advances several of the City’s strategic goals, including ending homelessness, improving housing stability, and connecting vulnerable residents to community-based services that meet them where they are,” said City Manager Jay Melder. “The Pride Center is a valued partner, and we’re proud to serve our LGBTQIA+ community together.”
SPC will utilize the monetary gift equally for housing support and resources for individuals experiencing homelessness, including a 30-to-90-day sheltering program, as well as other services and programs.
“This is coming at a time when many LGBTQIA+ organizations across this country are losing federal funding, when programs are shrinking, and when the most vulnerable in our communities are being pushed further into the margins. Moments like this matter.” said Michael Bell, executive director of Savannah Pride Center.
Savannah Pride Center is the only LGBTQIA+ center in Georgia and the only such medical hub in the region. SPC’s mission is to provide a connection to quality affirming LGBTQIA+ healthcare and to create safe and affirming space for the community. Furthermore, this partnership advances Savannah’s efforts of ensuring it is safe, environmentally healthy, and economically thriving for all.
More Information
Read the full announcement on the official site
