The following statement was issued by the Center on Halsted today.

Steps we are taking to address Coronavirus concerns

Dear Community,

Central to Center on Halsted’s mission is advancing the health and wellness of the LGBTQA communities of Chicagoland. That means your health and well-being are at the center of our mission. Within these uncertain times, Center on Halsted is doing what we do best, prioritizing the needs of our community (social and emotional support, connection, and resources like food) while actively committing to reducing potential threats, including the realities of preventing the transmission of COVID-19/Coronavirus.

This virus is a particular threat to our elders, people with chronic conditions, and people with compromised immune systems, but we must all be part of the solution. This responsibility for one another is what defines our community.

Please be assured, we are here with you and we are here for you.

Next Steps

As we monitor the spread of COVID-19/Coronavirus and the response to it, we will be taking actions based on guidance locally from Chicago Department of Health, nationally from the Centers for Disease Control and the National Cancer Association, and globally from the World Health Organization.

At this time, we are reviewing all programs and services and developing a response plan that balances the needs of our community with the realities of preventing the transmission of COVID-19/Coronavirus.

The skills to respond to a health crisis are a part of our history and present. LGBTQ+ people came together during the outbreak of HIV/AIDS, educating one another, caring for one another, and providing for each other’s needs. We continue to come together in this way to meet each other’s needs when larger systems fail us.

For more information on how to protect yourself from Coronavirus, view our COVID-19 Poster.

Changes

When the Center changes our program or service offerings or should we need to close for any period of time, we want to keep everyone informed. Please refer to our website where we will communicate these changes: www.centeronhalsted.org. Aside from our email list and website, there are other ways you can reach us.

Email us at mail@centeronhalsted.org and your message will be forwarded to the right person.

Message us on Facebook which we will be checking regularly. Please also follow us on Facebook for updated information about programs and events.

Center on Halsted is here to ensure that the people in our community have access to food and other necessities, social connection, mental health support, and safety planning. Center staff and volunteers are mobilizing to fill the gaps as other organizations suspend services, as people are quarantined, and as in-person services are reduced.

Help us meet this new demand by making a donation or email us about volunteering.

Click cancer-network.org/coronavirus-2019-what-lgbtq-people-need-to-know/ for more information on what LGBTQ+ People Need to Know about Coronavirus from the National LGBT Cancer Network.

We are not leaving you, and you are not alone.

With Pride & Resilience,

Modesto Tico Valle

Chief Executive Officer

UPDATE from www.centeronhalsted.org/program-updates.html

Program Updates: Effective March 16, 2020

Event + Programming Cancellation or Postponing List

Mayor Lightfoot and Governor Pritzker held a press conference to address COVID-19. They are recommending social distancing.

The Center, guided by this advice and also based on guidance locally from Chicago Department of Health, nationally from the Centers for Disease Control and the National Cancer Association, and globally from the World Health Organization, will be making changes as well. You will notice today and in the near future that large events have been cancelled. See the list below for Center on Halsted cancellations.

Regular Programming

HIV Testing by Appointment only | Please call 773-661-0910

Open Gym Volleyball postponed until further notice

GED Classes postponed until further notice

Volunteer Orientations postponed until further notice

Cyber Center hours may change based on volunteer availability

Lakeside Pride postponed until further notice

All Community Groups are postponed until further notice

Cancelled Events

AAC Volleyball | March 17, 18. 21, 24, 25, 28

Asian Health Coalition | March 19

Deafies in Drag | March 20

2 Baroque Girls | March 27-28

Am I Man Enough: Stories on Toxic Masculinity | April 2

LGBTQ Family Playdates | April 4