Lady Gaga is speaking out to the communities affected by the horrific string of mass shootings in the past few weeks in the United States.
The singer took to social media Friday to share her latest philanthropic endeavor: funding classrooms in cities where three mass shootings occurred in July and August. In a post to her Facebook page, Gaga wrote a lengthy message to Dayton, Ohio; El Paso, Texas and Gilroy, California residents.
“My heart goes out to those who were taken from us too soon and to their families, loved ones, and communities who are left to grieve. Everyone has the right to laws that make them feel safe in their communities,” she wrote. “In this moment, I want to channel my confusion, frustration, and fury into hope. Hope that we are there for each other and for ourselves.”
She added that she is partnering with the nonprofit DonorsChoose and her own nonprofit, the Born This Way Foundation, to “fully fund the classroom project needs” in the three cities.
“14 classrooms in Dayton, 125 classrooms in El Paso, and 23 classrooms in Gilroy will now have access to the support they need to inspire their students to work together and bring their dreams to life,” she continued.
Gaga also urged her followers to seek the mental health support they need after “surviving and recovering from these tragedies.”
“If you’re struggling, please be brave and tell a trusted someone. Don’t be scared to ask for help, I beg you. If you see a loved one struggling, please be brave and reach out, remind them it’s ok to not be ok, and listen to them,” she wrote. “We cannot turn away from ourselves. We cannot turn away from our loved ones. We need each other. Don’t turn away.”
Meanwhile, singer Lana Del Rey released an impromptu song called “Looking for America” on Friday in response to the recent string of mass shootings in the United States – and revealed on her social media that proceeds from the song will go towards survivor funds.
“Thinking of everyone this morning – we finished our song and just want to let you know all of my proceeds are going to Gilroy Garlic Festival Victims Relief Fund, El Paso Community Relief Fund and Dayton Foundation,” she wrote.