On July 3rd, the San Diego LGBTQ+ Community Center sent out WARN letters to all of its 106 employees informing them about possible layoffs.

Gus Hernandez, a spokesperson for the center, said currently there are no set layoffs, but the letters were issued out of an abundance of caution.

He said the letter intends to prepare employees for the possibility of layoffs in the future.

“The biggest concern is that the federal government is targeting the LGBTQ+ community and other vulnerable populations with these actions,” Hernandez said.

Members of the community and some San Diegans are equally concerned as the community center offers healthcare and other programs for the community.

Victor Monreal has benefitted from some of those resources.

“It will be very unfortunate if there are any cuts, because I feel like a lot of people here, locally, do depend on them, just for support,” Monreal said.

He’s not alone.

“It’s very sad because that community has been there for many years that I can remember. They’ve helped a lot of people that I’ve known,” Jessica Lopez said.

“I worry about the community and I also really worry about people who do need the resources that come from the community center,” Sammuel Deng said.

“It’s a big need in the LGBTQ+ community,” Hernandez said.

About $4.4 million from the center’s $15.5 million dollar budget is federally funded, according to Hernandez.

“The federal funding that we receive goes primarily to our HIV services, which is part of our sexual health and wellness program, our housing services, behavioral health services and our crisis services,” Hernandez said.

The center is home to more than one hundred employees, but Hernandez said it’s unclear which staff positions could be impacted by possible layoffs.

“It’s full of uncertainty for our staff and of course, it trickles down to our clients as well, the folks who receive services at the center,” Hernandez said.

While they wait to find out what happens, they worry for the impact it could have in the community.

“It’s sad to see, and sad to hear that something that’s such a vital resource for the community is potentially going to lose resources and lose people who are extremely dedicated to a cause that supports the community here,” Sammuel Deng said.

Hernandez said they plan to continue to offer services as best they can.

He said they’re also considering tapping into alternative funding sources.

If the funding cuts are approved, Hernandez said the first layoffs could take place as early as September 6th.