Our Community Center Project Status

​

In February 2020, a building was donated to Gulf Coast Equality to use rent free by the Banister Foundation as a community center in Gulfport on Pass Road. Opening a center was always a long-term goal of ours, so we were excited to be ahead of schedule. The building was old and needed plenty of work to make it functional. Then in March 2020 everything closed for Covid-19, and the project was put on hold until later that year. When we finally did get to start working in the building it was discovered that it contained hazards like asbestos, lead paint, mold, and nothing in it was up to the current code. The total cost of fixing all the problems in the building would not have been cost-effective and was well over our budget. Due to these problems, and a lack of communication from the building’s owner, we had no other choice but to move out for the safety of our board members and volunteers.

 

We do still plan to open a community center as our long-term goal for the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Part of every fundraiser we do goes towards this project. Any money raised for the community center is earmarked to be used only for it.

​

Please check back for future updates. Feel free to send us a message on our homepage with any questions.