In honor of Pride Month in June, Host’s service team partnered with SMYAL (Supporting and Mentoring Youth Advocates and Leaders)—a local organization that supports and empowers lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth in the Washington, D.C. metro region.

Over the course of almost a month, employees purchased items off SMYAL’s wish list—including crafts and other much-needed items—in addition to making monetary donations. Host also made a corporate donation in support of SMYAL’s mission and work to build, sustain and advocate for programs, policies and services and services for LGBTQ+ youth. 

Additionally, our service team donated Instacart gift cards for the current residents in SMYAL’s Youth Housing Program to assist them with buying groceries. SMYAL’s transitional living program provides shelter, food, case management services, mental health counseling, crisis intervention, community support and life skills courses to LGBTQ+ youth ages 18 to 24, helping them to ultimately achieve independent living.

Tim Saxton, director of HR and operations at SMYAL said, “SMYAL is so grateful for the support from Host Hotels & Resorts. Thank you so very much! We can’t tell you how much our youth appreciate the community support and the investment in their lives! From therapeutic art supplies to helping our youth with food security, knowing that we have community support like Host is priceless.”

Learn more about Host's Corporate Responsibility strategy and Corporate Citizenship highlights.