PRIDE Haven opens overnight youth shelter, partners with businesses for Pride Month – Kansas City, Missouri

Kansas City, Missouri — Companies in the Kansas City region will meet during this Pride Month to secure a place for all young people identified as LGBTQIA + to sleep at night.

Save, Inc. is a non-profit organization that runs various housing programs. Is partnering with a company to raise funding and awareness for PRIDE Haven, a night shelter for homeless young people.

PRIDE Haven served as a stopover for young people aged 18-24 until the move to an overnight shelter in May.

Program manager Scout Desimio said 17 of the 20 shelters are currently occupied.

“No one can turn their backs here because of their identity. No one can turn their backs here based on the use of substances. Some people can turn their backs here based on their mental health status. No, “said Desimio.

According to Desimio, PRIDE Haven is the only shelter of this type in the Kansas City area and we are working to make it available to everyone.

“I think many young people enjoy this space affirming their identity,” said Desimio. “We serve some young people who have failed to succeed in some other programs, and that’s what we’re really proud of.”

Shelters help young people staying there to connect with community resources and help them recover.

“We strive to keep them on the 30-day timeline, but if they can’t get a home within that time, they won’t try to fire them because of the continued homelessness problem,” said Desimio. Said.

It takes a lot of money to keep the shelter up and running and to buy food and toiletries for the young people who stay there.

Save, Inc. to raise money and awareness. Partners with local businesses such as Bar K, Bistro 303, Café Trio, Char Bar, Mike’s Wine & Spirits and Ragazza & Tom’s Town at various Pride Month events in June.

David Epstein, co-owner of Tom’s Town, said he was excited to get involved. His business is to donate vodka to a local restaurant to make his own pride-themed cocktail. The money collected from the drink will be sent to PRIDE Haven.

“It’s not just the flag, it’s just welcoming and embracing the entire community,” Epstein said.

Epstein said he is proud that Kansas City has joined Pride Month and sets it apart from the rest of the world.

“Most of it is just a party and I understand it. Everyone wants to be part of it. That’s great, but it also has a big part in it and the community It shows that it is helping the whole thing, “Epstein said.

Save, Inc. Blaine Proctor, CEO of the company, said she was amazed at the support and generosity of local businesses.

“It feels great because we know we’re doing what we need. We’re touching people who need this service because no one else is doing it.” Proctor said.

Here are some of the Pride Month events in the Metro that will benefit PRIDE Haven:

• Monday, June 21st, 5pm-8pm: Bar K Pride Event
• Thursday, June 24th, 6pm – Boulevard Brewing Drag Show
• Saturday, June 26th 10:00 am – 4:00 pm: Café Ca Phe Hella Queer Vendor Event, Big Rip Brewing (North KC)
• Sunday, June 27, 11:30 am – Boulevard Brewing Bingo
• Boulevard Brewing: They donate $ 5.00 from every PRIDE crawler sold and 100% of the proceeds from their pride shirts. Donations are from SAVE and Inc. And Kansas City Center for Inclusion.