City Council donates $77,000 to The Center

The San Diego City Council voted 7-0 April 16 to donate $77,000 in funds from councilmembers’ district budgets to The LGBT Community Center in support of its many core programs.

Council President Todd Gloria thanked all the councilmembers for the donations and said The Center has “touched the lives of thousands.”

The funds will go toward HIV services programs that include mental health services, prevention, testing, counseling, information and referral. The donation also helps the Sunburst Youth Housing project for homeless transition age youth, and also for the Hillcrest Youth Center.

Gloria donated $16,000 from his district budget. Councilmembers Mark Kersey and David Alvarez gave $15,000 each. Councilmembers Sherri Lightner, Lorie Zapf and Kevin Faulconer donated $10,000, and 7th District Councilmember Scott Sherman gave $1,000.

Kersey, who represents the 5th District, said he got to see some of the programs and suicide prevention work The Center performed. “It was eye opening to me to see what good work they are doing,” said Kersey.

Kersey made the motion to donate the funds, which was seconded by Sherman, who added, “I wish I had more money to give.”

The Center’s application says $62,000 of the funds will go for non-personnel needs such as equipment purchases, building improvements, supplies, permits and client services. The remaining $15,000 will go to salaries and wages.

No funds came from District Four because the seat is still vacant.