Center on Halsted

My name is Danny Beers and on behalf of the Center on Halsted, I'm starting this campaign to raise money for food and vital programming for LGBTQ seniors who need support from Center on Addison in Chicago, IL.

Because of COVID-19, we’re all having to adjust to a new normal of self isolation and social distancing — it has become apparent that human connection is more important now than ever. Please do not forget about our LGBTQ Seniors during this time. They are an integral part of the Chicago LGBTQ community. They paved the way for us and now it is our turn to help them!

LGBTQ seniors grew up in a world where their identity was socially unacceptable, diagnosed as diseased & even criminalized — some of our seniors were even jailed right here in the former police station, which has now turned into their safe haven.

Having undergone a lifetime of interpersonal, institutional and systemic discrimination in housing, employment and health care, LGBTQ elders experience greater health disparities, social isolation and lack of support. — We have to continue to be here for them.

Taking preventative measures, the City of Chicago is only providing box lunches 4x/week. With food insecurity now being a top concern for our residents, we’re asking for the community’s help. You can help by donating to this fund.

Beyond addressing our residents' food insecurities, they have come to rely on important weekly programs provided by the Center. More than 150 seniors were able to attend workshops, exercise, play BINGO, watch movies as a group, learn how to use their tech devices, or just socialize with friends. We need your help to ensure these programs endure. Your donation will allow us to provide:

- Additional assistance to more LGBT Seniors as the need is expected to grow exponentially in the coming weeks — this includes food, shelter/housing, job/unemployment/benefits assistance, etc.

- Referrals to healthcare, including HIV/AIDS care and medications, mental wellness, and transportation to healthcare services

- Community and socialization

- Additional cleaning supplies to ensure Coronavirus doesn't negatively impact the most vulnerable utilizing the services at Center on Addison and Center on Halsted

Thank you so much for taking the time to care about our LGBTQ Seniors.

Dear Dream Town Family—

As we wrap up Pride Month, the Dream Town Diversity Council has partnered with the Center on Halsted—a comprehensive community center located in Lakeview, that serves LGBTQ+ people in Chicago. Dream Town's definition of family has always been inclusive—we're proud to stand as allies alongside our brokers, family members, friends, and Chicagoland community to celebrate that love is love, and there is pride in being just as you are.

Please donate today and join us in helping to further the mission of Center on Halsted to bring essential services to our local LGBTQ+ community. Dream Town is matching up to $10,000 in donations!