Could a building embody hope? Here at the Center on Halsted, you might start to believe it. This isn’t just any building. It’s a beacon for the LGBTQ community in Chicago and across the Midwest. This three-story, 185,000-square-foot space on North Halsted Street is a testament to the power of community.
The Center on Halsted’s story began modestly in 1973 with just a helpline. Back then, it was Gay Horizons, a lifeline in a time when being LGBTQ often meant facing discrimination and misunderstanding. Over the decades, it grew, evolving alongside the community it served, eventually becoming Horizons Community Services. In 2007, it transformed again, becoming the Center on Halsted we stand before today.
Walk through these doors, and you’ll see the embodiment of its mission. There’s a gym buzzing with activity, a state-of-the-art theater hosting everything from film screenings to dance performances, and meeting spaces where LGBTQ seniors gather for meals and companionship. The Center on Halsted provides a platform for voices often marginalized, offering legal services, mental health support, and a safe haven for LGBTQ youth.
The Center on Halsted’s impact extends beyond its walls. Its culinary arts program, Silverfork, empowers individuals with job skills and a renewed sense of purpose. Their commitment to addressing the needs of LGBTQ seniors led to the creation of Town Hall Apartments, the Midwest’s first affordable LGBTQ senior housing facility, located right next door. The Center on Halsted is a testament to the tireless work of volunteers, staff, and donors who believe in a future where everyone can thrive. It’s a story of resilience, hope, and the unwavering belief in the power of community.