| Name | Kyelani |
|---|---|
| Last Name | Sayers |
| Home Address | 3648 Larry Ln Chattanooga, Tennessee 37412 United States |
| Organization Name | The Sanctuary |
| Describe Your Role In The Organization | I am the founder and operator of the organization. |
| Organization Address | 4707 12th Avenue Chattanooga, TN 37407 United States |
| Website | https://sanctuaryperformingarts.com |
| Best Phone Number To Reach You | 4233059679 |
| Alternate Phone Number | 8653860084 |
| Email Address | sanctuary.chattanooga@gmail.com |
| Alternate Email Address | kyelani.sayers@gmail.com |
| Please Describe Your Project In Detail | The Sanctuary provides safe community focused events for trans, lgbt, people of color, and at risk communities while also giving back to the community through our mutual aide program that provides meals for needy, community clean up projects, and relief for anyone in our city in need. We use art and fundraisers to keep our space alive while serving at risk communities. |
| Please explain how your project meets the requirements of the American Rescue Plan | Our work is a perfect of example of a long term solution. We found our space when members of the trans community were left without. COVID has caused a major issue for us the last two months especially. We depend on donars and people coming out to keep us going though our fundraisers. Since coming together we have offered safety and resources to multiple communities and organizations. Sanctuary focuses on the arts to create a place for people shared passions to come together and to keep our space flourishing. We have been in operation for a year and overcame so many obstacles while also impacting so many lives. No other space in the city offers a range of events and give backs that The Sanctuary offers. We are asking for help to continue and expand our reach while keeping safe space for all of Chattanooga. We have provided our space to other non profits and community organizations as well as individuals in need. We get actual resources like food and clothing directly to the most affected people. We serve not one but many at risk communities. We have an actual need for this assistance and have many organizations and people that will speak for our actions and love for the people of Chattanooga. |
| Where would your project take place? | This project is already taking place. We would continue our good work and provide the at risk communities and artists communities support for years to come. |
| How much will your project cost in total? | 50000 |
| Do you have any matching funding sources from other local governments, private entities, non-profits, or philanthropic entities for your project? | Yes |
| Please describe the source and list amounts of any other funding. | Prideraiser from cfc 8,000 august 2021 and community foundation 3,000 June 2021 |
| What portion of the project are you asking the city to fund? | We are asking the city to fund our building repairs (the roof is very bad and causes issues) and our ac and heating system is old and barely working. We are cold in the winter and hot in the summer. We are also asking for help to aide in paying security to be present for all events where at risk communities gather. |
| If funded, when would your project start? | February 1, 2022 |
| How long would your project take to complete? | This is ongoing. |
| What milestones would you use to measure your project’s progress? | The number of people impacted, the repairs to our space, the addition of paid roles. Community events and impact. |
| How would you ensure accountability and transparency throughout the project lifecycle? | We would partner closely with the city and community to continue our transparency that we are already known for. |
| If successful, how would your project benefit the community? | The people of Chattanooga that are at risk are already benefiting from this as we offer clothing, food, supplies, mental health resources, and people to help anyway we can as needed. our project is already successful and we are asking for help to make it even more successful. |
| How will you attract community buy-in for your project? | Our community has no other place like what we offer in regards to at risk communities, and especially trans lives and people of color. We already have Buying from the community and multiple other communities and organizations. |
| Is there anything else you would like us to know about your project? | We are so excited for all we have done over the last year! We’ve worked with eight different nonprofit organizations, done over 100 shows and events that cater to at risk communities, raise money for individuals and other causes, provide people resources and Tom for other large community projects, provided food and clothing for the recently displace homeless of the area, and fall our way from having no space that we were wanted to having our own space that we can curate as a community. I’m speaking personally as the founder of The Sanctuary. Though it has been the biggest sacrifice of my life in regards to finances and time, I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything. Though I am burnt out at times and I’ve had to face every challenge a person can in community organizing I’m ready to continue these efforts with the support of the city. We need this help now more than ever. We’ve proven our space can take care of itself and pay for itself in the months March through November. Though the winter has been a challenge we are excited for spring and ready to continue helping our communities. Please help us continue to grow. |