A Facebook page entitled Fridae Shelter Project | シェルタープロジェクト has been set up to allow those outside Japan and away from the disaster area to offer accommodation, and provide information and contact particulars so that those seeking temporary shelter can get in touch with them.
Fridae hopes that by launching this non-profit community service in a difficult time, the LGBT community and its allies can come forward to support those in Japan in a meaningful way by offering a solution to one of their most immediate needs.
Earthquake and tsunami survivors in the affected region currently face intermittent water, electric power and gas supplies, housing shortage, damaged transport infrastructure, a major reconstruction effort, tremors and the threat of radiation contamination due to damage to nuclear reactors in the Fukushima Daiichi power plants.
Hosts of any gender, sexual orientation and from any country are welcome to participate, by simply posting their accommodation information based on a simple format described on the Facebook page. Posting of hosting information are categorised by countries on the respective "Notes" pages. Guidelines are available in English, Japanese and Chinese languages.
Guests seeking shelter may respond or make enquires with the prospective hosts through their Facebook accounts. Anyone who is LGBTQ as well as their friends and family in Japan are welcome to approach the prospective hosts.
Prospective hosts and guests are at their own discretion to agree on the terms of the hosting arrangement. Individuals participating in this exercise are advised to take necessary precautions to protect private property and rights. Disclosure of addresses, phone numbers and contact information are done at one's own risks. Fridae accepts no responsibility for any arrangements made between hosts and guests.
Founded in 2001, Fridae is today Asia's leading gay and lesbian social networking site that has connected hundreds of thousands of LGBT people across Asia and beyond.
The Fridae Shelter Project | シェルタープロジェクト Facebook page can be accessed at:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/fridae-shelter-project-シェルタープロジェクト/204546276241321?sk=wall . Please click on "Notes" to see latest postings by countries.
Queries about this project can be sent by email to japanresponse2011@fridae.com. Fridae welcomes feedback, updates about local conditions and suggestions about how our community can help to provide assistance and relief to the affected.
For non-Facebook users or if people wish to keep their request confidential, please email japanresponse2011@fridae.com about your hosting availability or needs. We will then coordinate with you directly regarding your request.
