The Brief<\/p>\n
San Francisco LGBTQ+ nonprofits held a rally in the Castro District to protest $17 million in proposed cuts to community-based organizations.<\/p>\n
Mayor Daniel Lurie\u2019s proposed budget aims to close a looming $877 million deficit by reducing city spending by $400 million.<\/p>\n
Leaders of organizations like the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and LYRIC Center warn the cuts will severely impact HIV screenings and youth job services.<\/p>\n
SAN FRANCISCO – San Francisco<\/a> Mayor Daniel Lurie<\/a> is facing pressure from the city\u2019s LGBTQ+ community to reconsider a budget proposal that would slash millions of dollars in funding for non-profits offering health, housing, and job services.<\/p>\n Dozens of advocates gathered in the Castro District on Thursday to voice their concerns over the mayor\u2019s plan to bridge an $877 million budget shortfall.<\/p>\n Under the current proposal, community-based organizations contracted with the city\u2019s health department would see their funding reduced by approximately $17 million.<\/p>\n “Raising the Alarm” for Youth Services<\/p>\n Gael Lala-Chavez, executive director of the LYRIC Center for LGBTQ+ Youth, said the center is facing $300,000 in cuts. Lala-Chavez noted that the organization is already struggling due to federal funding cuts by the Trump administration.<\/p>\n “All of us are raising the alarm, because it is going to completely change and impact every single person in severe need in the City of San Francisco,” said Lala-Chavez. “If we don\u2019t have funding to support young people on getting a job and keeping a job, they will not be able to maintain their housing.”<\/p>\n Impact on HIV Screening and Care<\/p>\n