On November 19th, a mass shooting took place at LGBTQ club Club Q in Colorado Springs, killing at least five people and injuring nearly twenty others. GLAAD swiftly responded to the tragedy, putting out statements on behalf of the club and other LGBTQ community organizations, as well as shaping the media response to prevent further trauma on the already suffering Colorado Springs community.
Still, as the story unfolds hour by hour, many are asking: What can I do to help?
See below for resources and donation links to support the needs of victims, families, and community affected by the Club Q Colorado Springs Shooting.
Colorado Healing Fund
Founded in 2018, The Colorado Healing Fund (CHF) was established to provide monetary relief to those affected by crimes of mass casualty in the state, like the attack in Colorado Springs. Now activated in response to the Club Q shooting, those interested can make a donation to the Colorado Healing Fund with the knowledge that their money is guaranteed to land in the hands of people who need it most.
The CHF website states:
CHF works with local agencies and organizations in the community where the mass tragedy occurred to identify the immediate and long-term needs of victims, their families, and others significantly impacted by the tragedy. Another role of CHF is to conduct crisis management trainings for law enforcement, first responders and other stakeholders throughout Colorado.
Visit here to make a donation to the Colorado Healing Fund for the Club Q Shooting.
Hotlines
For those in need of emotional support in the wake of the Club Q shooting, there are hotlines available via call or text to provide relief.
Those locally impacted by the attack can reach out to Colorado Crisis Services. See below for a statement from the org on what services are available:
Colorado Crisis Services is the statewide behavioral health crisis response system offering residents mental health, substance use or emotional crisis help, information and referrals. Its mission is to strengthen Colorado’s mental health system by providing Coloradans with greater access to crisis services wherever they are at 24/7/365 regardless of ability to pay.
Give Colorado Crisis Services a call at 1-844-493-TALK (8225), or via their Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.
LGBTQ people, especially youth, may feel especially vulnerable during this uneasy period of tragedy. The Trevor Project is the world’s largest suicide prevention and mental health organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people and is available for support via call, text, or chat.
To talk on the phone, call 1-866-488-7386
To text with the Trevor Project, text START to 678-678
To chat via computer with the Trevor Project visit thetrevorproject.org/webchat
Other Resources
Crowdfunding platform GoFundMe, which is often used as a way to raise money for victims and victims’ families in times of need, has established a centralized hub to house verified fundraisers in response to the Club Q shooting. Visit here to provide direct financial support to those affected, including to former Club Q employees, organizations building altars, and more.