Center on Halsted

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Center on Halsted is a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community center in Chicago, Illinois. Its mission is to “serve as a catalyst for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender community that links and provides community resources and enriches life experiences.” [1] Although currently located at a temporary space in south Lakeview, the permanent site will be in Chicago’s Boystown, which is considered to be the heart of the city’s LGBT community. Construction of the permanent site kicked off with groundbreaking ceremony on June 14, 2005.

1 History
2 Programs
3 See also
4 External links

[edit] History

In 1973, Gay Horizons was established by a group of volunteers. Over time, the organization evolved and changed its name to Horizons Community Services, becoming a comprehensive LGBT social services agency. In mid-2001, Horizons Community Services began its transition into becoming Center on Halsted. The core programming of Horizons remained while new services were envisioned and realized. Major funding has come through private/corporate donations, with additional funding and support from the City of Chicago. The support of Chicago’s Mayor for Center on Halsted will be recognized by the construction of the Richard M. Daley Rooftop Garden.

[edit] Programs

Programs at Center on Halsted include The Horizons Youth Program, mental health and psychotherapy services, The Anti-Violence Project, an LGBT information line, legal referrals, various community/cultural programming, and support groups. Additionally it houses The Illinois HIV/AIDS/STD Hotline, under a contract from the Illinois Department of Public Health.[2] Center on Halsted boasts a Community Technology Center computer lab which will expand into a full CyberCenter upon the completion of the permanent center site.

Plans for future programming will include performances and sports activities in the new center space.[3] Also increased collaboration with other Chicago nonprofits is anticipated. Collaborators in the past have included the Museum of Contemporary Art, After School Matters, The Chicago Historical Society, The University of Chicago, The Chicago Architectural Foundation, the School of the Art Institute, the Garfield Park Conservatory, and the Chicago Chamber Musicians.

Center on Halsted hosts community organizations in its space. It is expected that 15 LGBT organizations will find a home at Center on Halsted when the site is completed.