Community Center Project Update

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Dear Community Members,

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In February 2020, we were excited to share that the Banister Foundation generously donated a building to Gulf Coast Equality, allowing us to establish a rent-free community center. This was a significant step towards our long-term vision of creating a community hub in Gulfport on Pass Road.

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However, shortly after this promising beginning, the Covid-19 pandemic emerged, leading us to pause our project until later that year. Upon returning to the building, we faced several serious challenges. We uncovered hazardous materials such as asbestos, lead paint, and mold, and found that the building did not comply with current safety regulations. The expenses required to address these issues exceeded our budget and were not feasible.​ Unfortunately, due to these complications and insufficient communication from the building's owner, we had to make the difficult decision to vacate the premises to protect the safety of our board members and volunteers.

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Despite these obstacles, our commitment to establishing a community center for the Mississippi Gulf Coast remains strong. Every fundraiser we organize supports this vital initiative, and all funds raised specifically for the community center are allocated for its development. We invite you to stay tuned for future updates on our progress. Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us through our homepage.

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Thank you for your ongoing support.