Emanuel Announces $1.25 Million for Center on Halsted

Press Release

Emanuel Announces $1.25 Million for Center on Halsted

Today, U.S. Representative Rahm Emanuel (D-IL) announced that he secured $1.25 million in funding for the Center on Halsted from the Fiscal Year 2006 Transportation, Treasury, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Bill.

"Like no other city in the world, Chicago knows that organizations like the Center on Halsted provide our communities with the critical services we need to continue to grow and thrive. It's one of the most innovative ideas for strengthening Chicago's communities I've seen in a long time," said Emanuel. "The Center on Halsted is among the leaders in LGBT community centers. Its tenant partnership with Whole Foods Market, eco-friendly design, and commitment to unique programming is an enormous benefit for the 5th District and the entire City of Chicago."

Since its establishment in 1973, the Center on Halsted has served more than 500,000 members of Chicago's LGBT community. And the new Center on Halstead will continue to provide Chicago with vital programming focused on youth services, mental health services and community and cultural programming. The new facility will allow the Center to expand its reach, and provide low-cost offices and meeting rooms for LGBT community organizations, a cyber center, a library, performance center, basketball and volleyball courts, and rooftop garden.

"This exciting new project will provide an important center of social and cultural enrichment for the LGBT community in Chicago. It will provide needed links to trusted community resources in a safe and productive environment. I'm proud to join Congressman Emanuel and other leaders from our community in supporting the Center's mission and growth," said Jan Schakowsky.

"The Center on Halsted provides a valuable service to many people in the community and is an integral part of the every day life of many residents. I was pleased to work with Congressman Rahm Emanuel to help secure this critical funding," said Senator Richard Durbin.

"Center on Halsted has received generous government support at the state and city level and now at the federal level," said Robert Kohl Chairman-Elect of the Center's Board of Directors. "This wide government support results from the importance of the Center on Halsted project to the LGBT community not just in Chicago but also throughout the Midwest."

Center on Halsted recently launched the public phase of its capital campaign. An $800,000 challenge grant from the Kresge Foundation has been awarded requiring the Center to complete the $20,000,0000 campaign by December 31, 2006. Gifts from individuals, corporations and foundations count towards the Kresge Challenge. To date, Center on Halsted has raised $17,250,000.

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