The Chicago Traveler

Center on Halsted Offers GLBT Resources

by Matt B on September 26th, 2008

Situated within the Lakeview neighborhood, Boystown is the home to hundreds of thousands of Chicago's gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender residents. Even more pass through the area every day to visit the gay-friendly bars, coffeehouses, and restaurants. In 2001, a group of community leaders shared a vision to create a focal point for the neighborhood. That dream became a reality in 2007 at the Center on Halsted.

This new space provides a safe and modern place for people and organizations to gather and share resources. Along with offices and meeting spaces, the community center also provides free wi-fi, a library, galleries, basketball and volleyball courts, a rooftop memorial garden, and a 170-seat theatre.

The Center on Halsted is more than just a physical building though; it provides programs and networks that meet the emotional and social needs of the GLBT community. Current services include:

Anti-Violence Project
Community Technology Center
Horizons Youth Program
IL AIDS/HIV & STD Hotline
Legal Services
LGBT Info Line
Mental Health
Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders
Sexual Orientation and Gender Institute

Finally, several organizations utilize the space on a regular basis, including The Association of Latino Men for Action, Amigas Latinas, GayCo Productions, the Windy City Rainbow Alliance for the Deaf, the Metropolitan Community Church, and more.

The long-anticipated Center on Halsted has successfully created a safe and beautiful space for people of all backgrounds to come together, learn, and develop relationships that inspire even more visions.

Photo credit: (c/o Flickr) Payton Chung, resedabear (1, 2, 3, 4)

Center on Halsted: 3656 N Halsted St; 773-472-6469
Daily: 8:00 a.m. ' 10:00 p.m.
Public trans: Bus # 8, 152 or Red Line train (Addison)
http://www.centeronhalsted.org/

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