Arianna's Center Community Relief

Demand for support from many in the transgender community continues to grow here in South Florida. Despite a period where we saw an improvement in the COVID-19 pandemic it didn't trabnslate into a change in need from the community we serve who already faced so many challenges. Now as Florida sees the highest rates of COVID-19 diagnosis and hospitalization in the Unted States we're anticipating a increase in demand for services. We're also delaing with vaccine hesitancy which continues to be a challenge amongst marginalized communities.

The greatest demand for assistance that we've been experiencing is related to housing, whether it is assistance with rent or those facing eviction. Often times we're finding that many people don't understand what their rights are in relation to housing. This is particularly challenging for those who have been released from incarceration or ICE detention. 

Through our community relief program we've also been able to pay for travel by Lyft for clients to reach medical appointments and get tested and vaccinated. This is particularly import for teh tarns community as access to transportation is a major issue along with concerns about personal safety on public transportation for some. 

Separate from our regular programming which includes HIV testing and prevention, advocacy and leadship skill building and case management, we're seeing between 25-30 request per month for support in the form of rent assistance, meal and grocery vouchers, help with tarnsportation, bills and more. 

We also partnered with OUT My Closet to provide a special pop up clothing distribution event that spanned a period of 4 days. It provided free clothing to the transgender community along with personal care kits that included shapoo, soap, doeadorant, toothpaste, mouth wash, razors, manicure kits and more personal care items. This is in addition to the free clothing closet that we operate.

We were also recognized for our work in the community with a certifciate of appreciation from Miami-Dade County Mayor, Daniella Levine-Cava.

Your support as a donor is appreciated not just by our team but by the community we serve. Whether it's a hot meal, groceries or that extra help in meeting the monthly rent, you've made a difference in the life of someone in our comunity.

It's been a busy time here at Arianna's Center! Unfortunately South Florida's transgender community continues to see negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and our community relief funding remains much needed. Barriers to healthcare, housing and employment continue to be a great challenge to our community and rises in anti trans violence are an ongoing concern.

Needs for assistance with basic items such as groceries, gas, bus passes and for support with rent and utilities is still a major issue and your continued support as a donor has really made a difference for many of our clients. The support for utilities and phone bills has been particularly important, as we've seen a move to more virtual programming, being able to remain connected is essential for our clients to access important information regarding healthcare, HIV education, immigration, social services and life skills workshops.

Many of our clients work in the food service industry, and while many are back to work they still haven't recovered from month of lost income. With homelessness affecting trans communities at higher rates than average, being able to provide rental assistance to ensure clients don't lose their homes has been so important. 

While we continue to see COVID-19 vaccinations role out across the country, it remains a fact that access to vaccines is a challenge in marginalized communities. We're now happy to be able to partner with a local church to provide vaccinations in a safe, trans welcoming space.

Choosing to support a trans-led organization not only helps our clients but it sends a powerful message to your own circle that you support the trans community and this is integral to helping reduce the stigma we face on a daily basis.