The Plan:

Build a free space in the South Hills of Pittsburgh that’s sober, open late, wheelchair accessible, cozy, queer-friendly, and offers free resources.

A Pittsburgh resource guide on LGBTQIA+ friendly businesses has over a hundred entries, only 5 of which are in the South Hills. All five offer specialty services like salons and personal training. None act as a location where people can gather and build community without the expectation of spending money. In addition to this, there isn’t a single sober meeting place or resource hub in Pittsburgh, queer-friendly or not, that’s open after 10pm.

Our area is in desperate need of not only a space where queer people can safely gather, but also one that’s open late and can cater to those who don’t drink, work odd shifts, want to make connections, or need to access free resources like food, home supplies, and clothing after typical cafe hours.

Who Will Benefit Most:

Our Low-Income Neighbors – Times are hard. Free resources are increasingly difficult to come by. Sometimes peoples’ work shifts don’t align with the food banks’ hours. Sometimes people need community in the evening and don’t have the money to buy goods/services to grant them entry. Low income folks deserve spaces to just exist without worrying if their card will bounce.
People With Limited Transportation – Every other queer space in the city requires multiple public transit transfers from the South Hills. Even if you drive, there’s a tunnel, bridge (or two), and interstates in the way. There’s limited options at night on the T line, none of which are explicitly queer spaces.
People With Limited Mobility – Because of our hills Pittsburgh is largely NOT wheelchair friendly. As an ambulatory wheelchair user myself, I’m all too familiar with this fact. Very few existing queer spaces offer full wheelchair accessibility… If you can get there to begin with.
People Who Don’t Drink – If you don’t like being in bars, for whatever reason, there’s nowhere else to go after 10pm.
Local LGBTQIA+ Community – Every queer person in the South Hills is familiar with either the haul to the East End, or the isolated feeling of that area being inaccessible.

That Doesn’t Sound Profitable:

It's not meant to be! Nightshade Tea Lounge is a registered non-profit with 501(c)3 status pending! We’re not in this to make money. We’re in this to bring people together and provide support for those who need it.

What Makes You Qualified?

Oops! I haven’t introduced myself yet, I’m Blake (he/they)! I’m a transmasc person who was born and raised in the South Hills, lived all around the country, has been working with non-profits for over 20 years, and I hold degrees in both Accounting and Business Management. The past few years I’ve been the Executive Director of Queer Resource Center, providing free programs, supplies, and resources to the LGBTQIA+ community in and around Millvale. This has been incredibly fulfilling. I love the light and hope QRC has brought to the Millvale area!
Now I’m ready to bring that to my own neighborhood! With an amazing group of locals by my side, we’re using our combined experience in non-profits, along with individual strengths in a large variety of specialties to bring that light and hope to the South Hills.

Where’s The Money Going?

Lets talk numbers. Most of the Free Pantry supplies can be acquired through donation drives. My addiction to thrifting is paying off to give us a good start on furniture, too.
The cash will be going towards the things that are harder to source through the community; building rent and wages.
Below is the expected first-year budget. The fundraising goal would go towards the low-end startup costs plus a few months of operating costs while we work on securing grants, gathering local donations, and holding community building fundraising events.

Nightshade Tea Budget
Item	Rate	Annual
Start-up costs
Building Down Payments * rent vs buy		$10,000-50,000
Furniture and renovations		$5,000
Pantry + Cafe supplies		$2,000
Start-up total		$17,000-57,000
Ongoing costs
Monthly rent + utilities	$2,000/mo	$30,000
Staffing (one employee)	$15/hr, 30hr/wk	$23,400
Pantry and cafe supplies	$500/mo	$6,000
Ongoing total		$59,400
Total Operating Costs		$76,400-126,400

I Can't Afford To Donate

No worries! If you still like the idea follow us on Instagram @NightshadeTeaPGH to keep an eye on our progress, join one of our gatherings, and sit down for a sip once our doors open!

I Have More Questions

I'm happy to answer them! You can DM me on Instagram @NightshadeTeaPGH or email me at info@NightshadeTea.org.
You can also check out NightshadeTea.org to see if the answer is there!

Nightshade Tea Lounge

Non-Profit, Free, Sober, Late-Night Pittsburgh Gathering Spot