About Us

A Haven for Us is a grassroots nonprofit dedicated to uplifting LGBTQIA+ individuals through peer support, community-building, and direct relief. Born from lived experience and driven by compassion, we exist to create affirming spaces where people can show up fully, find connection, and access care without barriers or judgement. We believe that healing happens in community, and that together, we can build something powerful.

Our Story

A Haven for Us was founded from a deep personal calling to respond to the rising threats against LGBTQIA+ lives with something real, grounded, and community-led. In the face of harmful legislation and systemic violence, we knew we didn’t need another rigid institution. We needed each other.

From that need came our vision: a place where support isn’t something you wait for — it’s something you help create. Our peer-facilitated groups, volunteer-powered infrastructure, and grassroots mindset reflect that spirit every step of the way.

As a queer-led organization, we have a small but mighty team composed of trans, gender-nonconforming, and allied individuals that understand what it means to navigate the world without safety or access, through lived experience. We also know that joy, healing, and resilience can thrive when we lead together. Our work isn’t just about filling gaps in the system — it’s about creating new ways of caring, sharing, and surviving that center the people most impacted.

We are proud to say: this is not just a nonprofit. It’s a haven. Built by us, for us.

With love and solidarity,

Joey Belsan (he/they)
Founder, A Haven for Us

Get to Know Us

Our Mission Statement

A Haven for Us is dedicated to empowering and uplifting LGBTQIA+ individuals, especially transgender and gender non-conforming people, who have been impacted by inequitable policies and systemic challenges. We provide financial assistance, advocacy, and peer support to ensure access to essential resources, community care, and emergency relief. Through collaboration, education, and direct aid, we strive to create a world where every person, regardless of identity, has the opportunity to thrive in a safe and affirming environment.

Our Vision

We envision a world where LGBTQIA+ individuals, especially transgender and gender non-conforming people, are free from systemic barriers and inequitable policies. A Haven for Us strives to create a future where all queer individuals have access to financial stability, community care, and advocacy support, ensuring they can live safely, authentically, and with dignity. Through compassion, empowerment, and resource accessibility, we aim to foster a society that values and affirms every person, embracing the richness of diversity across race, ethnicity, ability, socioeconomic status, and lived experiences.

Our Values

Equity – We prioritize marginalized voices and work to dismantle systemic barriers that disproportionately impact LGBTQIA+ individuals, particularly those who face additional challenges due to race, ethnicity, ability, and other intersecting identities.
Community – We foster an inclusive and affirming network of support where everyone belongs and is valued, regardless of background or identity.
Empowerment – We equip individuals with financial resources, knowledge, and advocacy tools to navigate challenges and build self-sufficiency.
Transparency – We operate with honesty and accountability to ensure trust in our mission and programs.
Compassion – We lead with empathy and care, recognizing the unique struggles and resilience of the communities we serve.
Resilience – We stand in solidarity with those facing adversity, working toward long-term change and sustainable support solutions.
Diversity & Inclusion – We celebrate and uplift the full spectrum of human diversity, ensuring that our programs and policies are accessible, intersectional, and inclusive of all identities and experiences.
Accessibility – We are committed to making our resources and support as inclusive and easy to access as possible, removing barriers to assistance.

Meet the Team

Portrait of Joey Belsan, Executive Director of A Haven for Us

Joey Belsan (he/they)

Founder & Executive Director

Portrait of Beck Belsan, Board President of A Haven for Us

Beck Belsan (he/him)

President of the Board

Portrait of Russell Kotalac, Board Treasurer of A Haven for Us

Russell Kotalac (he/him)

Treasurer of the Board

Portrait of Emily Gacek, Board Secretary of A Haven for Us

Emily Gacek (they/them)

Secretary of the Board

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do you offer in-person services?

At this time, all of our services are completely virtual. A Haven for Us is intentionally built as a fully remote organization to make our services as accessible as possible — especially for folks in areas without affirming local support. We believe support should meet you where you are, which means making sure you don't have to travel to find community.

2. Who can join your support groups?

At this time, our support groups are for adults (18+) only. This helps us maintain a safe and supportive peer space while we continue to grow and navigate the current policy landscapes that may vary by state. Adult individuals nationwide are welcome to attend and participation is not limited to any particular identity.

3. How do I sign up for a group?

Sign up for our newsletter to stay informed about upcoming group meetings. Group meetings are announced in our newsletter, but after you sign up, you'll also be redirected to a secure form where you can indicate interest in specific groups and activities.

4. Can I join more than one group?

Yes, you are welcome to join as many groups as you like if they feel helpful or relevant to you.

5. Do I have to live in a certain area to participate?

No, our services are fully virtual, so we welcome participants from anywhere in the United States.

6. Are groups and webinars recorded?

No. To protect the privacy of our participants, we do not record (or permit the recording of) any virtual meeting.

7. How much do your services cost?

There is no charge to attend our support groups, find resources, or receive financial support from A Haven for Us. We are funded through donations and community support.

8. Are you currently hiring?

No, we are not currently hiring. Please sign up for our newsletter to stay informed about future job postings, or email info@ahavenforus.org if you are interested in volunteering with us.

9. Are you currently accepting applications for microgrants?

No, we are not currently accepting applications for microgrants. There is not currently a timeline for when applications will open. Please sign up for our newsletter to be the first to know when we begin accepting applications. We will host informational webinars and post frequently asked questions about microgrants as soon as there is a timeline established for the first application cycle.

10. What makes A Haven for Us different from other LGBTQIA+ organizations?

A Haven for Us exists to meet the needs of people who often fall through the cracks. We're fully virtual by design so that our support is accessible no matter where you live, how much money you have, or what your local resources look like. Additionally, our communities are peer-led. We believe that care should be grounded in lived experience, trust, and community — and not gatekept from anyone. We are intentionally grassroots and people-centered, allowing us to stay flexible, low-barrier, and deeply responsive to what our community actually needs. This is not just another service — it's a haven for all of us, even if we have been told that there was not space for us elsewhere. Everyone is welcome here.

Don't see your question here?

Check back regularly for answers to new questions asked about our organization, the services we offer, and how you can get involved in our work. You can also subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed!

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