The Safe Homes Gala raises money for Open Sky’s Safe Homes program, an LGBTQIA+ youth drop-in center for ages 14-23, with locations in Worcester and Fitchburg. The Gala, held annually in Worcester, is Safe Homes’ largest fundraiser. As Safe Homes is primarily funded by private donors and grants, this event is crucial to ensuring services can continue for LGBTQIA+ youth in our community.

The Safe Homes Gala and People of Courage Awards helps provide youth with a place where they can explore and embrace their identity and be accepted just as they are. For more than 25 years, Safe Homes has been that place.

Safe Homes offers educational programming, leadership training, free mental health counseling, referrals, recreational activities and emergency supports. Despite the challenges of the past few years, Safe Homes has continued to grow and now reaches youth in the Greater Worcester area through Safe Homes Worcester, as well as in North County with Safe Homes North at Fitchburg State University. The program also has an online presence, fostering an online community of youth who prefer to connect virtually, or who are unable to attend due to location or transportation challenges. Opened in 2022, the Transgender Resource Center at Safe Homes Worcester provides a boutique style experience for trans-identifying individuals to access gender affirming clothing and supplies, as well as peer support and counseling.