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Electricians from Ungerman’s are installing new outlets near the Free Food Fridge.
In Our Own Voices says the community refrigerator outside their building on Lark Street is often unplugged by people without any other place to charge their phones. Instead of closing it off, the LGBTQIA+ center chose to install phone charging stations.
It sounds small, but the idea is central to the organization’s mission— meeting people where they are and ensuring they’re safe.
As the only local non-profit dedicated to serving LGBTQIA+ people of color, they’ve been working for years to secure funding. With $125,000 awarded from the State Municipal Facilities Program Grant, In Our Own Voices is eager to fix up a few major things.
“It will allow us to be proactive versus reactive to building issues,” said CEO Tandra LaGrone. “That’s really important when you’re running a non-profit.”
Upgrades to smoke alarms and security lights are just a start. Old wiring will be updated for the first time since the 1950s. At 45-years-old, the boiler they call “Bertha” will be replaced with a new, more efficient system.
LaGrone says the improvements are vital.
“It’s the engine that propels us to be able to provide those services,” LaGrone said.
Services like the food pantry have only become more needed during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, it served more than 6,500 people — that’s more than double the year before.
Soon, the exterior of the building will feature new rainbow lighting, illuminating the neighborhood and keeping everyone nearby a little safer.
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