Atlanta Pride and the U.S. Association of Prides have established a fund to provide assistance to southeast Pride organizations affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
The Friday announcement comes ahead of a weekend of Pride events in Atlanta. Atlanta Pride said it will donate half of proceeds from this weekend’s festival and parade to the USA Prides Hurricane Solidarity Fund, geared specifically toward small- to medium-sized LGBTQ Pride organizations in affected areas.
The fund will help organizations facing immediate financial troubles, property damage and needs for further financial assistance with recovery and relief efforts.
The Atlanta Pride Parade will begin on Sunday at noon from the Civic Center MARTA station to the Charles Allen Gate at Piedmont Park.
USA Prides is currently finalizing criteria for organizations that qualify and can apply for the fund.
“While Atlanta was fortunate to avoid the worst of Hurricane Helene, many communities across Georgia experienced devastating impacts,” said Chris McCain, executive director of Atlanta Pride, in the Friday press release. “Responding to the urgent need in our region, our board and staff felt it was critical to extend our support to Pride organizations in communities across Georgia and the Southeast that are recovering and rebuilding.”
Matt Comer, a USA Prides board member based in Charlotte, North Carolina, said Helene and Milton recovery will require the work of organizations like Pride groups.
“Relief and recovery efforts after Hurricanes Helene and Milton will require the full force of entire communities, including LGBTQ+ Pride organizations,” Comer said in the release. “With Atlanta Pride’s gift and the support of the broader Pride Movement, USA Prides is poised to assist local Pride organizers as they do what they do best — serve their communities.”
