The Baltimore Safe Haven drop-in center was vandalized, marking the third attack on the facility in two years. This center, the only trans-led wellness resource in Baltimore, provides services like housing assistance, HIV testing, and harm-reduction materials to the LGBTQIA+ community.
The vandalism was discovered early yesterday morning when Renee Lau, the administrative assistant of Baltimore Safe Haven, arrived to find the destruction. In a report by WBALTV, Lau shared, "It's trashed, and we are devastated — almost to the point of tears." The perpetrators were reported to have ransacked the place, even going to the extent of urinating on the floor and splashing pink paint on the walls. According to CBS News, intruders pried open a back door to the center. They proceeded to forcefully rummage through donations, stealing equipment, including a computer and valuables, and leaving behind a scene of utter disrespect with derogatory graffiti.
As an organization that stands firmly to empower the marginalized members of the LGBTQIA+ community, Baltimore Safe Haven has vowed not to allow this act of hate to deter their mission. Lau emphasized the greater impact of this crime, stating that such thefts have monetary consequences and emotionally devastate the community they serve. "We can't afford to have these things happen, not only monetarily but for the community as well. It's devastating for everybody," Lau said, per WBALTV.
Baltimore City Police have thoroughly investigated the crime, which is currently being handled as burglary and theft. Lau predicted that the clean-up process would take a significant amount of time and effort, but she remains firm in her conviction to reopen the facility for the community. "When you take from us, you're taking from the community as well," Lau stated, according to CBS News.
