LGBTQ Emergency Shelter & Resource Center Start-up

Hello World:

My name is Mya Power and my husband is Kennedy Power. 

I am a transgender woman and my husband is a transgender man.

We have two biological children, Carson and Mason.  Carson is 9 years old and Mason is 6 years old.

My husband and I met as our birth genders and then we transitioned after our children were born.  Our oldest was about 5 and our youngest was about 2 when we first transitioned.    Our children have a "normal" mom and dad household and they are happy and loved boys.  I work a normal 9-5 job and my husband is a stay-at-home dad and takes care of any and everything imaginable.  He is an amazing man!  




We recently moved to a rural area in Virginia near Winchester, VA.  My husband and I began to look around for LGBTQ centers or resources and to our surprise there were NONE.  No doctors, No shelters, No community, Nothing.   My Husband and I was forced to travel to Washington, DC for any safe and comfortable place for the LGBTQ  community.   During our travels throughout the town and neighboring towns we noticed a huge LGBT presence.   We said,  "wow, I am surprised that they do not have any organizations in the area that support's the LGBTQ community."   I made a joke to my husband and said, "oh well, I will open up shop in this small town." 

That joke became a vision and the vision became a mission and the mission is becoming our new and exciting reality.  


With your help we are going to start the first of it's kind center for the LGBTQ community in this small town.   We will be providing client services to the LGBTQ community and other marginalized groups of people within the State of Virginia by offering Temporary emergency shelter/Respite service, Youth short-term living program for 3-6 months (ages 18-24), HIV/STD testing, Youth Support (18-24), Providing Food and Clothing, Providing Client Emergency funds, Educational Workshops for resume building and to prepare clients for job interviews , and Transportation.

My vision for the center will include:  HIV testing, beds for emergency shelter, food/drinks, vitamins, clothing, toiletries,  work stations with printer, fax machine, computers, internet access, educational workshops (computer software courses, resume building, grammar and English writing), a job board, free condoms and lubrication, house dinners and outings,  donation stations, full kitchen, and more.  We are brainstorming on new innovative ideas daily.  


We are doing this GoFundMe in-order to jump start this mission.  Will you help us jump start our vision?  

Your generous donations will assist with the following important pieces to this effort:
1. To purchase or rent a property (we will prefer to purchase)
2.  501c3 cost and other licenses and/or permits that are require by the state law
3.  Purchase a house Van (automobile)
4.  Food & drinks
5.  Office supplies
6.  Cleaning supplies
7.  Computers & office equipment 
8.  Toiletries
9.  Televisions
10.  Internet and Phone service
11.  Security system and cameras
12.  Necessary Renovations
13.  Kitchen supplies
14.  Any cost to add our center in magazines, local paper, radio, online
15.  Build a website
16.  Purchase beds, pillows, mattresses, linens
17. Emergency funds for clients

Your generosity will save lives and reduce suicide, homelessness, substance abuse, prostitution,  depression, anxiety, loneliness, and so much more.  Our goal is set at a specific amount but anything over will go into the center's account for all current and future financial needs. 

Anyone who donates $50,000 or more will have the option of being voted in as a board member. 

We would love to hear from anyone with ideas, support, who would like to volunteer, or just to follow up and see how we are doing.  Please be respectful and kind when emailing.  We will try and respond as soon as possible.  

We can be reached at:   [email redacted]

Our goal to have the house up and running is Summer 2021, or sooner!

Thank you so much!!!!!   You all are amazing.