The Pacific Center for Human Growth in Berkeley is encountering financial difficulties due to a decrease in funding amid a national climate of gender-related anxiety. The potential loss is projected at $1 million for the upcoming fiscal year, stemming from changes in California's Mental Health Services Act. This legislation alters the funding landscape, requiring various programs to compete for limited financial resources. Despite these challenges, the Center remains committed to serving the LGBTQ+ community and is proactively seeking grants to sustain its vital services.
With public and private resources drying up amid a national gender panic, a Berkeley center offering support for LGBTQ+ people is scrambling to adapt to the uncertain new terrain.
CEO Lasara Firefox Allen put the potential drop off at $1 million for the 2026-27 fiscal year the result, Allen said, of changes in California's Mental Health Services Act (MHSA).
We're doing everything we can to continue protecting our community, making sure that everyone feels as safe as possible in our space, and showing up regardless of the external climate and risk.
We will continue to offer the life-saving services that Pacific Center offers. They said some changes to the center's funding structure are underway, adding that it will be aggressive about applying for grants.
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