'Regardless of hate, we are still here': D.C. LGBTQ nonprofit continues to give back
WASHINGTON (ABC7) — On Georgia Avenue, there’s a place where everyone is accepted
When we first arrived at Casa Ruby, on Thanksgiving Day, Ruby Corado was comforting a young man who had nowhere to go to celebrate the holiday.
Since 2012, Casa Ruby has been a place for members of the LGBTQ community, particularly young people who may be experiencing homelessness.
“Today we continue to celebrate, because regardless of COVID, regardless of hate, we are still here,” said Corado.
Roughly 60% of the donations that were available last year, at CASA Ruby, are now gone due to the pandemic.
“A lot of support that came from restaurants and hotels is gone,” said Corado.
The nonprofit still found a way to give back, despite the setbacks.
“Employees of Casa Ruby donated, because in lieu of having those donations that we lost, employees gave back,” said Corado.
Latino services manager Diana Estrada is one of the employees that pitched in to buy close to $1,000 worth of food.
“To keep that tradition alive was really important to us,” Estrada said. “It’s really special to come together for this day and be thankful for what we have.”
“And we have hope and the hope is that things will get better,” said Corado.
