California: Billy DeFrank Center Cutting All Paid Staff, Suspending HIV Testing

Volunteers will replace paid staff at the Billy DeFrank LGBT Community Center in San Jose, which is struggling with the loss of more than half of its budget. It will also suspend its HIV testing program.

"The amount of revenue coming in will support keeping the doors open for all volunteers, but not pay for program staff," said interim Executive Director Paul Wysocki, whose own contract ends on Sept. 30. Hundreds of volunteers have stepped forward, he added.

Previously, Wysocki had slashed the center's budget from $650,000 to $310,000 and reduced staff positions from five to 1.5. Then, however, the facility lost $100,000 in funding from Santa Clara County and San Jose, which owns it.

"We're not thrilled about it, but it's something we have to do," Wysocki said.

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