THE NEW HAVEN PRIDE CENTER RISES FROM THE ASHES
PROJECT PHOENIX OFFERS THE NEW HAVEN PRIDE CENTER A FRESH START.
Founded in 1996, the New Haven Pride Center has become a major player in advocacy and support for the LGBTQ+ community of greater New Haven and beyond.
Image courtesy of New Haven Pride Center
After recently opening their new space at 50 Orange Street in 2024, the New Haven Pride Center faced potential closure due to misappropriation of funds and an ongoing battle with the IRS.
According to Chavez, the tax battle began due to the failure of their former executive director to file on time. Serving as the executive director from 2017 to 2022, his failure to file necessary tax forms cost the organization its nonprofit status.
Image courtesy of New Haven Pride Center
Once discovered, the board of directors voted to remove Patrick, launched an investigation, and set out to resolve the debt, which at the time, totaled over a quarter of a million dollars. Despite their swift action, the nonprofit found itself at a point of contention - amongst changes to the board and staff leadership in an effort to sustain operations, they lost key grants and funding that allowed them to stay afloat.
After fighting to regain its nonprofit status in 2023, the organization found itself in an uphill battle. Board president Hope Chavez spoke to how difficult it was to navigate paying off the debt with no ability to monitor their progress due to compounding interest.
With furloughed staff and a heavy heart, the announcement was made in February of this year that the center would have to cease normal operations and halt all new expenditures in an effort to pay down the debt.
Announced on March 17th - Project Phoenix was launched - a $500,000 fundraiser to restore and reimagine the New Haven Pride Center.
And just one month later, on April 15, the center’s goal was reached. With generous donations from partner organizations like the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven, the New Alliance Foundation, the City of New Haven, and Representative Rosa DeLauro's office and members of the community they work so hard to advocate for, the center now has the opportunity to reenvision the space and continue to give back.
These updates aren’t just external; the organization is also hiring a permanent executive director and opening its doors to new volunteers and contributors. With their 30th anniversary on the horizon, they’ve announced a soft reopening this month and a grand reopening in June, along with their celebration.
In a time where inclusion and equity are constantly on the chopping block, it’s amazing to see that the community saw the value of maintaining a space like this. New Haven Pride Center will continue to be a beacon of hope and a shining example of what community building can create.
