Lambert House, a drop-in center in Seattle for LGBTQIA+ youth, announced in early 2024 that it had raised $2 million over five years to buy the property it sits on. But basement flooding and the need to expand space for youth programming led to massive renovation plans, and construction began last August. The work continues as staff prepare for the Youth Pride Save the Date event, which, like other programming, will be hosted in a separate location.

In a mid-2024 public statement, Executive Director Ken Shulman said the team has a responsibility to maintain its facility for the future. Last fall, the 1901 brick foundation was replaced. The center has now raised over $2.5 million (of a $2.8 million goal) to halt basement flooding, improve the resilience of the building against severe weather events like earthquakes, and renovate its main floor.

"New, dry youth programming space will be created, including an art studio and a media lounge," Shulman said at the time. "Because the renovation was expanded to add the kitchen, dining room, and main floor bathrooms, we do not yet have a solid timeline, but we expect construction to continue through 2025."

Since last summer, before these renovations began – which also include heat, window, and exterior door installations and a new ADA lift and path from the parking lot to the front porch – the organization has conducted programming in two buildings located at 1229 10th Ave. E. and will continue to do so until the work is completed.

Despite the flooding and the financial challenges that have come with it, Lambert House is going above and beyond for LGBTQIA+ youth in the city looking to celebrate Pride among their peers. The Youth Pride Save the Date night for Queer youth is a Renaissance-themed party taking place on June 21 at the All Pilgrim's Church from 9 p.m. to midnight.

At the party for those aged 13-22, attendees are encouraged to dress up, as there will be a costume party. It will also feature dancing, a raffle, henna tattoos, a drag performance, Renaissance bingo, face painting, and a game called Apples-on-a-String, in which players put their hands behind their back and attempt to catch an apple in their mouth and rip a bite out – the first player to do so wins.

Food and beverages will also be provided. Adults and guardians are not permitted to stay at the location to observe or participate, but there will be over 30 trained adult supervisors present.

For more information, visit www.lamberthouse.org/pride-party-renaissance.