Save the Den | Creative Safe Space
Donation protected
The Den is a creative safe space located in the Anacostia area of DC. The space boasts of a retail collecctive, featuring locally made and designed products by creative entrepreneurs of color, women and youth. Also found in the space is a community swap library , kids play area, brainstorming table, art gallery and general good vibes.
Who will benefit from your donation?
The community. I know that sounds cliche' but it is true. We have hused over 30 small businesses not including organizations, performance artists and visual artists since January 2016. If this space dies those who can't afford space to workshop their ideas and test the market with their products in a viable market will also lose. These people are our community.
How will we use the funds?
We will first get caught up on rent. Additional funds will cover payroll, regulatory fees, insurance and planning for our next steps.
When do we need the funds?
Yesterday. I complete transparency, the Den tried very hard to save itself which has put us in a time crunch. We need the funds as soon as possible.
What will this support mean?
As the founder of the space it is very hard to articulate the sadness that will come from losing this space before it becomes its own. Before we outgrow this current home and move into one designed just for us and the people who need it. I know a lot of people, especially those on our waitlist, will be disappointed. I know there will be children disappointed that they can't go into the store with all of the dinosaur toys. The list goes on. Your support means a lot, more than I can say.
Thank you for taking the time to read this, for sharing our story, for donating, for believing in the need for this space. Thank you and much love.
Maryam and the HBCandtheDen family
Who will benefit from your donation?
The community. I know that sounds cliche' but it is true. We have hused over 30 small businesses not including organizations, performance artists and visual artists since January 2016. If this space dies those who can't afford space to workshop their ideas and test the market with their products in a viable market will also lose. These people are our community.
How will we use the funds?
We will first get caught up on rent. Additional funds will cover payroll, regulatory fees, insurance and planning for our next steps.
When do we need the funds?
Yesterday. I complete transparency, the Den tried very hard to save itself which has put us in a time crunch. We need the funds as soon as possible.
What will this support mean?
As the founder of the space it is very hard to articulate the sadness that will come from losing this space before it becomes its own. Before we outgrow this current home and move into one designed just for us and the people who need it. I know a lot of people, especially those on our waitlist, will be disappointed. I know there will be children disappointed that they can't go into the store with all of the dinosaur toys. The list goes on. Your support means a lot, more than I can say.
Thank you for taking the time to read this, for sharing our story, for donating, for believing in the need for this space. Thank you and much love.
Maryam and the HBCandtheDen family
Organizer
Maryam Fatima Foye
Organizer
Washington D.C., DC
