SAVE, Inc., a Byrne Pelofsky client, is the recipient of a $400,000 House appropriation secured by Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II for FY2023. SAVE is one of 15 community projects that will receive this federal funding for the benefit of communities in the Fifth Congressional District. The funding will be used to support PRIDE Haven, Kansas City’s first and only drop-in site and shelter for transition-aged youth who identify as LGBTQ+.
“Our community is characterized by its compassion and acceptance of all individuals,” said Congressman Cleaver in his press release. “LGBTQIA+ youth in the Fifth District ought to know that they are valued members of our community, and even when they fall on hard times, we will be there to support them in their time of need. It brings me great joy to have secured this federal funding so that SAVE, Inc. can continue to carry out its important mission and touch the lives of young Kansas Citians relying on the organization’s vital services.”
SAVE operates several facilities serving homeless youth or those at risk of homelessness, but PRIDE Haven is the only facility dedicated to LGBTQ+ youth. In 2022, 148 individuals received services at PRIDE Haven and 69% were moved into ongoing housing after completing the PRIDE Haven program.
Maryah Crooks was living on the streets until she discovered PRIDE Haven. She told KSHB 41 in an April 2021 interview, “It can get pretty bad out there.”
Research conducted by The Trevor Project highlights the dangers faced by LGBTQ+ youth:
- 29% aged 13-24 have experienced homelessness, been kicked out or have run away from home;
- 28% of LGBTQ+ youth who experienced housing instability reported a suicide attempt in the past year.
Byrne Pelofsky has been proudly providing grant writing services for SAVE, Inc. for nearly a decade. Lisa Roush Morse leads the grant-writing efforts for SAVE, Inc.