Empower Queer Ugandans: Donate Now

Hello! My name is Matt Nightingale, and I'm a pastor, spiritual director, nonprofit director, and LGBTQ+ activist from the San Francisco Bay Area.

I am creating this GoFundMe on behalf of a small group of brave LGBTQ+ Ugandans who are working to create safe and sustainable lives for themselves and other queer Ugandans. Their project is called the Safe Haven for Queer People Project, and they have amazing plans.

For an annual budget of $30,400, they will be able to feed and house a minimum of 30 queer Ugandans. Not only that, but they will provide essential job skills so that these people will be able to sustain themselves after so many of them have lost access to family, community, and employment.

Perhaps you've already heard of or seen Hans Senfuma (pictured above). He is one of the people involved in this project, along with renowned human rights activist Frank Mugisha. I was honored to sit in on a Zoom call and see the presentation that they put together. If I can help in some small way... simply by creating an easy way for people to donate and make a HUGE difference, then I'm happy to do that.

Please consider making a donation, large or small, to help make this project a reality.

Please take some time to read WHY your donations matter so much and HOW this organization intends to use your donations!

A SAFE HAVEN FOR QUEER UGANDANS PROJECT PROPOSAL

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Anti-Homosexuality Act in Uganda was passed on March 23 2023 and assented to on May 26 2023. Following the passing of this act, the LGBTQIA+ community has faced an increased wave of homophobia; with more LGBTQIA+ people facing discrimination, evictions from homes by the landlords, as well as being shunned against by their families. This has resulted in a number of queer persons struggling to make ends meet, let alone survive as many are being fired from their jobs, evicted from their homes and have no where to go. This project aims to establish and provide a safe and inclusive space for LGBTQ+ individuals facing homelessness and provide them with economic empowerment programs. This sanctuary will offer safe housing, essential services, and vocational training, helping participants improve their economic self-sufficiency and overall well-being.

This initiative is vital in a context where discrimination, social stigma, and lack of family support significantly impact the lives of LGBTQ+ people, leaving many without stable housing or employment opportunities. By offering tailored skills development and comprehensive support, the project seeks to not only improve the quality of life for LGBTQ+ individuals but also to foster a more inclusive and equitable society in Uganda.

PROBLEM STATEMENT

LGBTQ+ individuals in Uganda are disproportionately affected by homelessness due to systemic discrimination, family rejection, and socio-economic marginalization. Following the criminalization of homosexuality in Uganda, the absence of supportive structures leaves many at risk of violence, mental health issues, and economic destitution. There is a critical need for safe spaces where LGBTQ+ people can access essential services and gain economic independence. This project addresses these gaps by providing a safe, supportive environment and empowering participants through vocational training and employment assistance, ultimately promoting resilience and self-sufficiency.

PROJECT GOALS, VISION, MISSION AND OBJECTIVES.

GOAL: To establish a safe shelter and provide economic empowerment opportunities for LGBTQ+ individuals facing homelessness and economic marginalization.

VISION: To create a Uganda where all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, have the opportunity to live safe, fulfilling, and economically independent lives.

MISSION: To provide comprehensive support and resources to LGBTQ+ individuals facing homelessness and economic marginalization, empowering them to achieve self-sufficiency and contribute positively to society.

OBJECTIVES:

1. Establish a temporary shelter that accommodates the unique needs of LGBTQ+ individuals, ensuring safety, privacy, and dignity.

2. Provide essential services such as psychological counseling, healthcare, and legal aid to support participants' overall well-being and security.

3. Offer diverse vocational training programs (tailoring, agriculture, poultry farming, hairdressing, makeup, embroidery, baking, etc.) tailored to market demands and participants' interests, enhancing their employability.

4. Facilitate job placement and entrepreneurial support, including business skills training, micro-finance access, and networking opportunities to ensure economic self-sufficiency.

5. Foster a supportive community that promotes inclusivity, respect, and solidarity among residents and staff.

PROPOSED APPROACH

The project will be implemented through the following components:

1. Shelter Establishment:

Site Identification: Select a secure and accessible location, ensuring proximity to healthcare facilities, public transportation, and supportive services.

Facility Renovation/Construction: Create a space that includes private bedrooms, shared living areas, a communal kitchen, and spaces for workshops and counseling sessions, adhering to safety and accessibility standards.

Amenities: Provide furniture, kitchen equipment, and bedding, ensuring a comfortable living environment for all residents.

2. Essential Services:

Mental Health and Counseling Services: Offer individual and group therapy sessions to help residents cope with trauma, stress, and discrimination.

Healthcare Access: Partner with local healthcare providers to offer regular medical check-ups, HIV/AIDS testing and treatment, and sexual health education.

Legal Assistance: Provide support in navigating legal challenges related to LGBTQ+ rights, including representation in cases of discrimination or violence.

3. Vocational Training:

Curriculum Development: Design training programs that align with market demands and participant interests. Include life skills, financial literacy, and business management modules.

Partnerships: Collaborate with local businesses, vocational institutes, and NGOs to deliver high-quality training and mentorship.

Job Placement Support: Develop a network of inclusive employers and provide job readiness workshops, resume building, and interview preparation.

4. Community Building:

Social Activities: Organize events like cultural nights, movie screenings, and peer support groups to foster a sense of belonging and reduce isolation.

Empowerment Workshops: Conduct workshops on self-advocacy, leadership, and community engagement to build participants' confidence and self-efficacy.

METHODOLOGY AND TIMELINE

The project will be executed in four phases:

1. Shelter Establishment

- Site identification and securing leases.

- Renovation and setup of the facility.

- Recruitment of core staff (counselors, social workers, trainers).

2. Program Development

- Design of vocational training curricula and program structures.

- Recruitment and training of vocational trainers.

- Establishment of partnerships with NGOs, healthcare providers, and employers.

3. Program Implementation (

- Enrollment of the first group of residents.

- Launch of training programs and provision of essential services.

- Regular assessments and feedback loops to improve program delivery.

4. Evaluation and Sustainability

- Conduct outcome evaluations and impact assessments.

- Develop a sustainability plan, including funding strategies and scaling options.

- Strengthen community and organizational partnerships for long-term support.

BUDGET

The budget will include detailed costs for:

PROGRAMME COSTS - USD $10,000

TRAINING MATERIALS - USD $9,600

OPERATING EXPENSES - USD $5,800

VOCATIONAL TRAINERS - USD $5,000

TOTAL - USD $30,400


EVALUATION METRICS

Key Metrics:

- Number of individuals served by the shelter (minimum of 30 annually).

- Percentage of participants completing vocational training (target 80% completion rate).

- Employment and income levels of participants post-training.

- Reduction in homelessness and at-risk situations among LGBTQ+ participants.

EVALUATION METHODS:

- Pre- and post-program surveys and interviews to assess changes in participants’ socio-economic status and well-being.

- Regular focus groups with residents to gather qualitative feedback.

- Data tracking on employment outcomes and housing stability post-program.

- Compilation of success stories and case studies to illustrate impact.

- Funding Shortages: Diversify funding streams through grants, private donations, and income-generating activities (e.g., social enterprise ventures by residents).

Resource Constraints: Leverage partnerships with NGOs and other lgbtq groups to share resources and expertise.

Sustainability Plan:

- Develop a robust fundraising strategy, including grant applications and social enterprise projects.

- Strengthen partnerships with local businesses and international organizations to secure ongoing support.

- Explore the possibility of scaling the program to other regions based on a successful pilot phase.

PARTNERSHIPS AND COLLABORATIONS

To enhance the project's impact and sustainability, we propose partnerships with the following organizations:

1. Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG): Advocacy and policy support.

2. Ubuntu Law and Justice Center: Legal assistance and advocacy.

3. Convening for Equality (CFE): Capacity building and networking.

4. Human Rights Promotion Forum (HRPF): Human rights advocacy and monitoring.