The Pride Community Center of North Central Florida (PCCNCF) is a safe space for the LGBTQ+ Community in North Central Florida.

ANNOUNCEMENT:
The Pride Building has been sold and we’re looking for a new home

Dear Community Members,

The Board of Directors of the Pride Community Center of North Central Florida (PCCNCF) would like to share some recent news about our building space at 3131 NW 13th Street. We have had the great fortune of serving our community in this space rent-free for many years; however, the owners of our building decided to sell the property to the group that owns the rest of the real estate in Liberty Plaza. The closing date for this sale was February 15, 2023, and the new owners have offered us a 60-day grace period, followed by the option of signing a new lease to continue using this space with the requirement that we begin paying rent effective April 14. Although we have been responsible for maintenance, repairs, cleaning services, utilities, and property taxes, the monthly rent would greatly exceed our current facility expenses. Mindful that every dollar the Pride Center spends is a serious responsibility, we do not see renting here as a viable long-term solution.

As with any big change, there are uncertainties, but more than that, there are opportunities. The Board of Directors has been working diligently to investigate our options and to prepare for the transition. While exploring other commercial properties in Gainesville, we learned of a local organization that is seeking like-minded non-profit organizations to share a commercial space near the intersection of NW 16th Avenue and NW 6th Street in Gainesville. This offer is appealing for numerous reasons, one of which is the cost savings of a shared space; based on our research and current information, the monthly rental costs of this shared space would be less than 15% of the monthly rental costs of a solo space. If we proceed with this option, we expect to remain in our current location until the summer of 2023.

The Board of Directors will continue to investigate our available options and thoughtfully consider not only expense, but other factors we recognize are important to our community, such as central location, accessibility, and options for both confidential and communal spaces. In the meantime, community members can assist us in a number of ways:

Support the Pride Center by becoming a member or renewing your membership; you can also make a one-time or recurring donation.
Assist in cleaning and organizing the Pride Center’s current location during one of several upcoming “Work Parties,” the first of which will be held on Saturday, April 1, time TBD. Be on the lookout for more information.
Attend the next Community Connections meeting to learn more about our real estate options and provide feedback, which will be held Tuesday, March 7 from 7:00-8:00 PM.
Fill out this short form to let us know how you would like to assist in this transition, whether by attending a work party, hosting a fundraiser, becoming a benefactor, or donating your expertise.

Please reach out if you have any questions, concerns, or guidance about this transition: pccncf@gainesvillepride.org. As always, thank you for your support of the Pride Center and our local LGBTQ+ community.

Sincerely,

Tamára Perry-Lunardo
President

On behalf of the PCCNCF Board of Directors

Our Mission

The mission of the Pride Community Center of North Central Florida is to foster and enhance the well being and visibility of transgender, bisexual, lesbian, gay, queer, questioning, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQ+) persons, and to promote public understanding and affirmation of people of all gender expressions and sexual orientations, inclusive of race, ethnic background, nationality, economic stability, spirituality, age, and ability. Recognizing the importance of intersectionality, we work with other marginalized groups for social justice. We are committed to providing education and resources in an open and supportive environment to eliminate prejudice and discrimination in our neighborhoods and community.

The Pride Community Center of North Central Florida is an IRS 501(c)(3) charitable organization serving Alachua, Bradford, Clay, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Lafayette, Levy, Marion, Putnam, Suwannee and Union Counties with PRIDE!