About us
Who we are
We are Mapenzi Queer Foundation, a safe haven for LGBTQ+ refugees, built on love, resilience, and the fight for dignity.
We started by extending support to queer refugees who had nowhere else to turn, individuals who had fled violence, rejection, and persecution simply because of who they are. As we listened to their stories and witnessed their struggles firsthand, we realized there was a deep and urgent need for safety, dignity, and community.
What began as a small act of kindness quickly became a mission. Mapenzi Queer Foundation was formed to provide safe shelter, food, and emotional support to LGBTQ+ refugees and displaced persons. With time, our team grew stronger and more determined, reaching out across different regions to make sure no one in crisis would ever feel alone again.
Today, we run a humble yet powerful shelter where queer individuals find rest, healing, and hope. We also provide life-saving services like emergency assistance, counseling, and community education. Our helpline and support network continue to expand, so anyone in need can reach us anytime, because at Mapenzi, no one is left behind.
Our approach
Our Mission
Our mission is to ensure that every LGBTQ+ refugee and displaced queer person gets the love, safety, and support they need, when they need it, without judgment or delay.
Whether it’s urgent shelter, food, mental health support, legal help, or just someone to talk to, we are here to respond with compassion and dignity. At Mapenzi Queer Foundation, no one walks alone. We meet people where they are, and we act quickly, because every life matters.
Our Vision
We envision a world where no queer person is left behind, where LGBTQ+ individuals, no matter where they come from, are free to live, love, and thrive without fear.
We are working toward a future where every LGBTQ+ refugee can access the resources they need to rebuild their life: safety, housing, education, job opportunities, and belonging. Our goal is to grow Mapenzi into a foundation that reaches every region where queer people are suffering, so that hope can find them wherever they are.
Our Impact in Numbers
Every life we reach is a victory. These numbers remind us why we keep going, to protect, uplift, and empower our queer family across East Africa and beyond.