HIPS announces GoFundMe appeal for purchase of building
HIPS, the LGBTQ supportive organization that described itself as a leading advocate and service provider for individuals impacted by sex work and substance use in the D.C.
area, has launched a GoFundMe appeal to help raise funds for a down payment to enable it to obtain financing to purchase the building it has operated in for the past eight years at 906 H St., N.E. “Raising $350,000 or more by July 30 will allow us to secure the financing needed to make this purchase,” according to a statement on the HIPS GoFundMe page, which was posted by HIPS Development Manager Bo Belotti. “Together, we can help HIPS raise the money for the needed down payment on the place that has been our home for the past 8 years,” the statement says. “We’ve done our research, we are in negotiations, and we just need a little help from the community,” it says. “For the past 30 years, HIPS has been the driving force for harm reduction and respectful, compassionate services to people who do sex work, people who use drugs, and the unhoused LGBTQ+ community in Washington, D.C,” the statement continues. “We envision a world where all people engaged in sex work and drug use are empowered and can live healthy, self-determined, and self-sufficient lives free from stigma, violence, criminalization, or oppression.” The statement adds, “Once financing is secured, HIPS will have the resources to easily pay the mortgage.
In fact, it will allow us to spend more money on programming. We won’t be forced to move due to the inevitable future building sale, and we will be able to plan for the long-term expansion of services and opportunities for the community.” HIPS Executive Director Cyndee Clay told the Washington Blade that HIPS, which stands for Honoring Individual Power & Strength, currently occupies the entire two-story building it rents at 906 H St., N.E.
The building is in what has become known as the H Street, N.E. business and entertainment district that some have said has significantly increased the
