LGBTQ outreach group looking for last-minute donations
Youngstown & Mahoning Valley - One local LGBTQ outreach group is looking to purchase a facility to develop operations further.
The Full Spectrum Community Outreach group offers support to the adult LGBTQ community but it's been a few years since they've had a facility to host their efforts.
Now that they've found the perfect spot on Youngstown city's south side, time is running out to reach the required closing date, with a lack of funds to support the sale.
"We're just short of that $9,000," said Tim Bortner, CEO of Full Spectrum Community Outreach. "Desperately in need of that $9,000."
Since 2016, Full Spectrum Community Outreach has been the sole LGBTQ+ center for the Mahoning Valley. They provide support groups, inclusivity training to companies, mental health services, and housing amenities to those seeking assistance.
"This is something that's needed and we've been raising money for 4 years," Bortner said. "We've raised everything we need except this $9,000.
Bortner explained they once had a facility a few years back but since the pandemic hit, they haven't had a property to help those they serve. They said once they stumbled upon this facility on the city's south side, they knew it would be perfect for their operations.
"We've looked at over 50 locations all across the Mahoning Valley from Youngstown to Austintown to Boardman to all the way in between," Bortner said. "We fell in love with it, we think it's perfect."
The group is looking to purchase the old Hope House Visitation Center on W. Earle Ave. but time's ticking. They're roughly $9,000 short of the building's total price tag of $78,000. They have to have the money by this upcoming Monday, July 31.
The group has received the majority of funds to pay for the building and renovations through donations, fundraisers and grants. The space would also offer shelter rooms, something the Mahoning Valley hasn't seen.
"Currently right now, there is nothing like it within a 40-mile radius of here," Bortner said. "The closest one is Kent and we're literally having to send them to Cleveland and Pittsburgh and Kent."
A race to the clock to raise enough funds to continue serving the thousands in the Mahoning Valley's LGBTQ community.
There are plenty of ways to donate to Full Spectrum. Head to their website or they also take PayPal, Venmo, cash, or check.
