Center on Halsted

The Center on Halsted provided an exceptional experience for our event. The team was attentive and made sure everything was perfect from start to finish. The space was clean and welcoming, and the staff were incredibly friendly. I'm excited about the possibility of working with them again in the future!

This place helped me and provided me with much needed services when I was down and in a bad place. I’m very much grateful that places like this exist for people like myself <3 thank you

Center on Halsted is an incredibly generous place where anyone who might need support and community might find it. Just respect the place and the staff cause they do a lot for us.

Ive never felt more at home. JD was an awesome host on the tour, definitely coming back to see the 3rd floor next time.

cake is awesome look it up as well as amazing views of the pride parade.

Called the hub to get food assistance and they said nothing was available, to call back in a couple months. I called back and Nick told me that I need to wait several days so they can make sure my Ryan White is active. Of course it is and why can’t you validate sooner. If I’m calling to ask food assistance it’s a last resort and I don’t have time to still and wait. Tired of the run around.

DO NOT volunteer with this organization. They can’t communicate anything to anybody for any reason.

I've unfortunately experienced harm and downright rudeness 12 out of the 13 times I've tried groups and services here. Very disappointing. I was hoping this would be a great resource and place of support for the community and myself, after searching for support for so long, but that has not been my experience.

This review is not for the work that that Center does, which is amazing, but for their handling of appointments when it comes to vaccinations. It is lovely that they allow you to set up appoints for certain times, but what is not so lovely is that you get to the Center 20 min ahead of time and still have to wait about 2 hours. The Queen and I arrived at 4:10 pm for our 4:30 pm appointments, but by 4:30 pm, they were just checking in everyone there. After checking in, we sat for a bit before we were allowed to line up to head up to the area to get vaccinated. While I am very appreciative of the work they do and the fact that they were giving out free shots, it still would be nice to know that when you say 4:30 pm, it means I will get in at least within 15-20 mins of that time and not 2 hours later.

A good place to get involved with is a community center. Center On Halsted is one of the best around here. It helps many of those who need it, including LGBTQ, minorities, and whoever. Besides this, it's a good place for meetings of various organizations. There's plenty of opportunities to volunteer. Community centers are, no kidding, the center of a community. If you're looking to get involved in a way, go here. This is a pretty big building with a lot of room for various groups and organizations. It has a gym. Often they have floor hockey and volleyball. Also it's next to a Whole Foods. That makes it convenient to get food and supplies. I've been here a few times for various events on MeetUp. The upstairs meeting room is pretty big and there's room for banquets and potlucks. Good place to get involved. It's good for anyone needing help or meeting open minds people. There's everything here from potlucks, sports, and whatever.

I called the resources hub and I said, "hello, may I please talk to someone about getting rental assistance?" The guy who answered saw my name on his caller id and assumed I spoke Spanish. He cut me off and said, "I don't speak Spanish, hold on." I informed him that I was speaking English and he replied with, "well, there's a lot of noise coming from your side, so that's probably why." Huh? Exactly. Insulting. They need to hire people who actually care.

The Center on Halsted is a great center offering a myriad of free and accessible services. Its has a focal mission of Health and equality for the LGBTQ community and its allies. My brother is gay and I grew up with a lot of members of the LGBTQIA community and stood by them during their struggles and took some adverse effects myself. So I really appreciate a center that helps so much of the new generation overcome the problems I've seen older generations suffer from. They offer so many services from child care, to health services like prep and vaccinations. Homeless assistance and communication aids. Adult education such as the silver fork culinary school. Recreational activities like volleyball and pop up shops. It's attached to Whole Foods as well. The facility is maintained well and modern and the staff is friendly and understanding. It celebrated 50 years last year. Great center with lots of free services.

love this place, love the gender neutral bathrooms on 2nd floor and somewhat clean bathrooms on 1st floor, love the event rooms and gym on 3rd floor. has good security and helpful employees. has Whole Foods market attached to lobby room on 1st floor with outlets and wifi and you can bring food/drink there.

I realize that the Center On Halsted does a lot of good for the L, G, B, Q, and yes T communities. And I applaud them for it, hence the 2 stars. The events in this review happened just before Horizons moved to Halsted and became the Center On Halsted. Yet after reading a few pages of the other reviews here it sounds like not much has changed. So if you are questioning your gender, here is an example of how the L G and B often feel about the T: I went to Horizons looking for support and counselling in my quest to understand myself. I had scheduled an appointment with a counsellor. Seeing "LGBT" in all their brochures, their signage, and their internet presence, I assumed that this would be a safe place to talk about issues relating to the "T" in LGBT. I arrived a few minutes early and waited. And waited. And waited. The counsellor I was supposed to meet was over 20 minutes late past the appointment time, so I walked over to the nearby 7-11 and got a juice. When I came back maybe 10 minutes more had passed, tops. The counsellor was now there, a full half hour late. The front desk vouched that I had been on time and waiting for him for probably 25-30 minutes total before even walking a literal block and a half away and coming right back. Despite this, upon being seated in his office he let me know in no uncertain terms that I was the one who was late to my appointment. [And judging from some of the more recent reviews it may still be the modus operandi of some of the counsellors there.] I explained I was questioning my gender. That as a man I was struggling with some gender issues yet attracted almost exclusively to women. Taking my display of vulnerability into the fullest consideration that he was apparently capable of, he proceeded to tell me that they had a group I could join for gay men who wanted to meet other gay men and that I could talk to them about my issues being a gay man. A word of advice to the T in LGBT, if by some twist of cosmic fate you haven't experienced this yet yourself: There's always been a large segment of the L, G, and B community that absolutely despises anyone even remotely nonbinary.

Today I had an appointment to get tested by Carlos and when I got there at my scheduled appointment time, he was nowhere to be reached. The front desk left him multiple voicemails... 20 minutes later and noone had a clue what happened to him. I was left stranded after paying a roundtrip uber to get there for my appointment. HIV testing is a very nerve-wrecking and important thing for people. And treating them like this is not acceptable. You should be more responsible. I'll be getting tested at my doctor's office from now on.

Absolutely a hardcore stop for not only the LGBT/QQ youth, but for seniors! I love the fact that they have an area designated just for them, that is a big plus to see. I had the chance of visiting through my University and we had our own private tour. What a place. I was once part of the Horizons which is where the Center derived from many years ago. I was a client as a teen and I was lost, but because of the Horizons I quickly learned the ropes of advocacy. The Centers on Halsted is absolutely needed here and they are a giant part of the LGBT QQ Community indeed. The services range not only of legal advice (sliding scale) but also of counseling and other much needed things. Smack dab in the middle of the LGBT community, it is accessible to anyone that needs services. Volunteers are also welcomed so now you know.

I would like to modify my previous review regarding the Cyber Center. I felt that I need to give the center a second chance and I'm glad I did. The system seemed to move much faster. I may have had a bad computer or maybe they cleaned up the system- who knows. I was able to enter additional websites than I had listed in my original review. The staff members have been very helpful and friendly. Just a reminder... to review the COH's website for the times for the open lab since they also offer various classes which are generally free. I shall be back...

When I arrived in Chicago, I was looking for a volunteer opportunity and a worthy LGBTQ organization to make a financial donation. I signed up for the new orientation and it was extremely cliquish. Two of the people in the group were friends with one of the staff so I had to endure their banter for most of the tour. The impression I received from the tour is that the Center on Halsted is loaded with money and has a lot of Hollywood clout and they truly weren't interested in growing their volunteer base. Just as an aside, the CEO of the Center on Halsted has a bowling team with one of the LGBTQ organizations. I bowled next to him all year and truly found him and his team to be unfriendly. Sorry if you're at a fund event but if you are representing Center on Halsted, you need to act the part. I'm sure the Center provides some great services but if you are looking for a worthy cause to volunteer your time and your money, there are several other LGBTQ organizations out there to chose from.

If ever there were a gem to be found, Center on Halsted's got sparkles abound. Seriously, WOW. I live mere blocks from this place, I've admired it from across the street (Brown Elephant), I've peeked my head in (through Whole Foods), but I've never experienced the magnitude of what COH offers.... First off, it's BRAND spankin' new, just opened a little while ago. It's shiny, beautiful, clean. The first floor offers seating for those wishing to relax, enjoy their Whole Paycheck (errrrrr) Foods booty, indulge in FREE WIFI (yes, free), or just chit chat with neighbors. I happened to be on the third floor for Windy City Comicon, in the large basketball court area. They rent this space out for events just like this one. I have a feeling it could be transformed into something quite beautiful, but then again...I dig bball, and the gym is very nicely done, with lots of natural light from above. Well done! I also noticed there is a theater, lots of conference rooms. Youth programming, classes, etc. Just a wealth of information, knowledge and acceptance all housed under one roof. I dig it. And yes, this Center was built to support programs for the LGBTQ community, but is certainly open to all. Isn't that how it should be? Yeah, I think so. Check it out.

I recently tried developing a meditation and qigong program for seniors, youth and the general LGBTQ community. Here is a brief summary of my very disappointing experience. I sent a very clear, organized letter of intent to offer fundraisers for the holiday season and beyond. I briefly outlined the benefits of meditation for the youth, seniors and general community and how easy and beneficial that it would be. I sent 2 voicemails and 2 emails to the person in charge of the Youth Center. They never responded. The Development Coordinator was also notified and he said they were around and told me he would tell her. Again, no response. I met the guy in charge of the Senior Center who really didn't sound that happy with the Seniors. He also went on and on saying how needy the yoga teacher was, that he hadn't even gone to one of the yoga classes. He also put down the meditation teacher and again, had never attended one session. I was wondering to myself during our coffee chat why he kept bemoaning and putting down the Seniors and 2 of the volunteers. He also took my idea of doing a Xmas series of fundraisers and kept saying how much work it would be and that maybe at the end of March they could fit one in. As for the Development Coordinator, he initially seemed very interested, but when I wanted to move forward he kept deferring it to another person and then another. I also called him out on his declaration to potential volunteers at the volunteer orientation about how people tend to donate more when they have had something to drink. We were also told we would probably be serving drinks and also about mingling for drinks during the events. I tried to get him to see the very negative effect alcohol (and drugs. Alcohol being a primary gateway to drug addictions of all kinds, and STD infections) in individuals and the community's life. He has been totally silent and has refused to set up a meeting to discuss my salient points. I had heard from quite a few people that the Center had gone downhill. My experience, says yes. I do not recommend this Center or any of their charities that include alcohol.

To everyone complaining about the trans/underprivileged kids always at the Center: I agree they're a rowdy and disruptive group. It's not fun to be around them. But I see staff constantly policing them. I've even seen staff asking some of them to leave if they get too out of control. Also please consider that these kids might not have anywhere else to go. With that being said, though, I've lived in Boystown for a long time now and the Center has consistently made me feel unwelcome. The staff has almost always been lazy, rude and/or unhelpful. These have been my experiences: -I'm a writer and I used to like to work on stuff at the Center because it was quiet. I especially liked working at the tables in the back hallway off the bathrooms on the second floor. After a while the Center locked the entryway to this area and it's not open to the public anymore. Bummer, but what are you going to do? Except recently I brought my laptop to the Center on a busy Sunday and all the tables on the ground floor outside of Whole Foods were taken. So I went and sat at one of the chairs outside the theater on the third floor. The CMSA was having its volleyball practice in the gym down the hallway. A staff person walked by and told me I had to leave. I asked him why. I'll admit I gave him an attitude but I wasn't bothering anyone. He told me the CMSA paid to rent the space (meaning the gym down the hallway) and if I wasn't with CMSA then I had to leave. I told him all the tables downstairs were taken and he sneered and said, "then go to the library." -I had to stop at the Center to use the bathroom and I had my coffee mug with me. I left it right outside the bathroom because I thought it would be gross to bring it into a public bathroom. I was in that bathroom not even three minutes and when I came out my coffee mug was gone. So I went to the help desk not even 20 feet from the bathrooms and the guy at the desk was super unhelpful. He said no one turned it in but I should check the lost and found later. He didn't bother asking whoever was working maintenance (maybe a maintenance person had thrown it in the trash?) or check this lost and found. This happened a week ago. I stopped by the Center tonight and the two men on staff at the first floor help desk were chatting. I asked them if my coffee mug had been turned in. The one guy gave me the impression that he didn't appreciate me interrupting his conversation and also that he really didn't want to help me. He brusquely told me no one turned it in. I asked him, "could you check the lost and found?" And he told me that if someone had turned it in then it would be on the first floor desk he was sitting at. Some lost and found. -I wanted to rent a conference room for my group. I stopped by to talk to someone because I had questions. The guy at the desk was really unhelpful. See a pattern here? The first thing he told me was to check their website. I told him I had and I still had questions. I'm sorry, but that was just such a rude thing to say. And as someone else mentioned in their review, the Center charges a lot of money to rent rooms. So I argued with him to get him to call someone from the office to see me. This exchange took a good 5-10 minutes and by the time the guy from the office showed up I was so frustrated that I said "no thanks" and left. -This is the hardest complaint to write about. About 6 years ago I was assaulted. I called the Center's mental health center and the woman who answered said there was a long wait list and she couldn't schedule me to meet with anyone. Then a year or two later I was having problems with depression. I called the mental health center again to try and schedule an appointment and the woman I talked to did this weird intake screening with me over the phone where she rushed through a questionnaire with me. When she decided my mental health problems weren't good enough for an appointment (I guess?) she read off a script to me about how to take care of my issues. Cool, thanks. All these things have happened over a long time period. Whenever something like this would happen I would think about complaining and then decide to just forget it. But at this point I'm fed up. The Center is supposed to be a community center and I'm a member of the Chicago LGBT community. I'm not sure who the Center is supposed to be helping. From now on I'm just going to avoid this place.

So I happened to know a guy, who knows a guy, who knows a guy that went here for some health stuff. Ok maybe I've been here too, with my progeny, for reasons. Anyway, everyone we've ever spoken to here has seemed genuinely kind and helpful. Feel kind of lucky, quite frankly, that we have this place. I was just there and took my son and his girlfriend to Whole Foods to get lunch and then try to see someone at the Center re: some things. There was a nice crowd of people hanging out on the main floor; some were dining, like us. For some reason, it just seemed like hope was in the air. There was also the smell of coffee. So there was hope and coffee. Oh, for the record, they take walk-ins 10-12 noon. So yep.

I was here to watch floor hockey here at the Center on Halstead. From the street, there are always people in this center. I do not know much about the services that the center on Halstead, but I believe that it is really nice that there is a center that facilitates meaningful LGBT activities. One of the activities that I got to witness was floor hockey. There was ample room for the games to occur. I think what caught my attention at this facility was the gender politically correct labels of the restrooms. The male restroom was the "male identified" one and the female restroom was the "female identified" one. I think these labels in a positive manner acknowledge the "T" within the LGBT acronym which is often overlooked.

They are very Bias towards Blacks, I was sitting in the lobby by myself one day and the kids at the other table were getting rowdy so I was told to leave

I hate to give any LGBTQ place a negative review, but this one deserves it. I have been here several times, usually for events, but I have never had a pleasant experience. My last visit here was in honor of Transgender Day of Remembrance. I left before the main event even started. Here's why: When I arrived, I was asked to sign-in, no problem. The guy sitting at the sign-in table instructed me that there were other forms they asked folks to fill out (i.e. demographics), on the table next to his. The next table had a young, white girl sitting at it (I mention her race for a reason). Before I could even pick up the pen, she said, "Here you are (putting her finger on the first option that was African American/Black), just go down and check all that applies to you." Offended, I looked up at her and stared before completing the form. My beef is this - how dare she assume my race?! Just because I'm brown skinned, does not mean that I identify as African American/Black. Especially, since "Multi-racial" was an option. Secondly, WHY would you tell someone which box they belonged to? At a transgender event at that! The irony is sickening. Just asinine. Even though I was pissed, I knew I was there for a bigger reason than her, so I proceeded to the event room. Inside, there was a guy (also white) walking around asking folks if he could take their picture. Since the event hadn't started yet, the room was only about 1/3 full. I watched this guy walk around and ask every.single.person if he could take their picture, BUT me. It's not as if I was dying to take a picture, but to have someone walk in front of you, behind you, and on the sides of you and address folks but leave you out - you know it's intentional. I've known folks who have experienced racism and transphobia here. However, I have given this place chance after chance. I no longer see why I should. A buddy recently invited me to go with them to an upcoming event that will take place at COH. Needless to say, I don't want to go. Do better. Way better.

STAY AWAY!!! I have lived in Lakeview/Boystown for 8 years now and never have ever been to the Center On Halsted. I was told that there was a venue with roof top. The web site was somewhat helpful and wanted to view the space for myself. It took 3 weeks for someone to get back to me after leaving 5 voicemails and 8 emails to schedule a showing. I was told to come in on Saturday where the person that was to meet me "forgot". I called back that following Monday and was again given the run around for 2 weeks about dates to use the space . I was told that I would haev to pay extra for security, to use the roof top even if the space was not going to be used. I was told that if this was not a "Gay" function I could not receive the discounted price. I was not allowed to bring food in from a non approved vender. I thought that this was a Community Center? I live in the community, but I am not allowed to rent the space at the discounted price?!?! Word is that you need to be fiends with and or give a kick back to Tico Valle the Operations Manager. I would love to see the financial records for this place. Letter to the City/mayor & Alderman on it's way. Dont waste your time with this place!!!

This is something I've struggled with for about 2 years now, but I feel that it would be useful to others that might plan an event here. Out of all of the wedding planning we did the ONLY negative thing was dealing with the Center on Halsted. We looked at many other venues of course, and decided we would rather give our money to a good cause that we believe in. Basically, while working with Zach we had to deal with fighting to get answers on things. Trying to meet with him or anyone for that matter. Feeling like we were troubling *them* when we asked for a simple thing like checking the lighting on the stage for the ceremony a couple of days before. There's no one to guard the elevator to make sure odd folks don't come upstairs. And then, in the very end, they tried to give us a bill for going over in time at the center during our wedding. To the point I had to show a hotel receipt for what time we checked in there and we were the last to leave and cleaned up. At our own wedding. Why? Because we knew they would try something like this after everything beforehand. There are the nit-picky things like when I say I don't want that giant, ugly statue you have to be in the room, and you say 'okay it won't be here' and then it is? Wow, if I was crazy bride, we'd have issues. But I wasn't and Nikki C.'s DJ area blocked the monstrosity so it was 'fine'. I would never plan an event here again. Nor do I try to have anything to do with the CoH any longer. I've been to the laughable volunteer training sessions, only to leave not enthused to volunteer at all. I've been to their 'fancy' gala, only to be rushed through the entire evening and not feeling like $500 a head was worth it. My wife and I have come to the conclusion that the Center needs to figure out who they want to be and execute those details, and do it well. They're trying to do too many things at once with far too little of a staff. And they're failing miserably. I wanted it to succeed of course, for the LGBT youth out there....but they're no longer getting any money from me and my family. And I would try and sway someone from doing a large event here as well.

I'm not really the best representative of the LGBT crowd. I'm not into showtunes. I'm not very artsy. I don't like to shimmy and gyrate to techno music. I may get a little crazy for the Pride Parade but who doesn't? Heck, if you find me anywhere on Halsted Street it's likely to be at the Circle K gas station since they sell any size fountain pop for 69 cents. Even after living here for 5 years and having quite a few friends who party in the 'hood or work for organizations affiliated with the community I still manage to let my insecurities get to me and don't experience everything the wonderful Lakeview neighborhood and Boystown strip has to offer. Sad. This past Sunday I was "dragged" out to an Oscar Party held at the Center on Halsted. To be honest, I didn't want to go. I had a long week of work/school, I wanted to watch the Oscars at home, I didn't feel like drinking on Sunday night, and, well, I was hungover. However, since the SO's company was a sponsor I got the hook up, and we were able to squeeze another friend in, too, so off we went. Wow. This place is beautiful. High ceilings, huge windows, bright colors, clean as a whistle. Ample seating all over the lobby, free Wifi, and a Whole Foods next door if you want to grab a bite (if you can afford it!). There is plenty of space in here to hold an event, watch a show, or just hang out with some locals in the community. The party itself was a blast - lots of great looking people dolled up for the event; bartenders from the local club Circuit whipping up drinks; local restaurants serving up appetizers to the crowd; a theatre-style viewing of the Oscars (where I had front row seats - score!) Thanks for putting on a great show! I'm really disappointed in myself that this is the first time I have ever been there. Obviously impressed, I've done some more research on this place this week. They offer a ton of programs and services to members of the community, ranging from STD (or STI) testing, youth programs, anti-violence progarms, mental health services, and so on. I've noticed that quite a bit of their services are free or low-cost, and I am told many are based on a sliding scale depending on your income. I only wish I would have done my homework years ago and I'd probably be a little better off today. Their website has quite a bit of information on it for anyone interested in getting involved or utilizing their services. Also, they have plenty of volunteer opportunities available to help out the community and to incite your personal growth as well. I wish I could speak for the programs directly, but since the work/school schedule doesn't permit much free time I am going to have to keep this in mind for the future. Volunteering is some of the best free therapy you can get! If you're questioning yourself or wrestling with an issue and don't know who to talk to or where to go, this would be a great starting point. The Center is one of a kind and I only wish people from my generation and generations before had the opportunity to partake in their offerings earlier in life and realize that, while everyone may have differences and preferences, we are all still human and can coexist in peace. ALL are welcome. Open-minded and no closed doors - that's classy. Chicago is very fortunate to have a community place like this and it's time for me to take a little bit more pride in myself and the community.... and become a bit more FABULOUS (in the manliest way possible)!

****THIS REVIEW IS ONLY FOR VOLUNTEERING**** 1 star, because it was that bad of an experience!! I volunteered a few times for The Center on Halsted, and had the worst experience of my life! The staff members were barely even helping out. Instead, they were partying and flirting with the people coming towards The Center on Halsted booths. They basically left us to figure everything out ourselves. I had a drink thrown at me once because I asked them for a moment to discuss about The Center, and the head staff member laughed at me and proceeded to drink, without once offering help. I felt like I was babysitting, more than volunteering. As long as they have those staff members, I will NEVER volunteer for them again!!!! Aside from that, the building is beautiful and The Center really does help the LGBT community in Boystown.

I am not familiar with the programs offered by the Center on Halsted, but I took a facility tour and this place is AWESOME! It's green (they expect to be given Silver level LEED). It's nicely designed and huge! It is a great addition to the whole community, not just the LGBT community. I think all of the spaces can be rented for reasonable rates. Highlights: - Free computing center! - Gymnasium: one (1) basketball court, or three (3) volleyball courts. - Theater: minimalist, seats ~115. - "Living room" space that is open for use at anytime. - Special dedicated area for LGBT seniors. - Library. - Conference rooms. - Rooftop deck. - Reception/party room. - In the works...a full show kitchen by Oprah's guy. After taking the tour, I felt like I needed to go out and do good in the world.

Wir Kinder vom Center on Halsted Zoo. Damn Adriane ist das schönste Mädchen in der tierisch verrückte bauernhof. Viele Teenagers und kämpft. Sie hat Lust für Whole Foods. Christiane F

I have been to a few events on the third floor of the Center and it's a beautiful space! The floor to ceileing windows and a large outdoor rooftop space give an impressive view of the city skyline and the surrounding Boystown/Lakeview neighborhood. This space also contains a theater, which was used to it's fullest at a recent wedding that I attended here. If you are planning an event, this is a phenomenal spot.

Look how diverse the Center is, they even have a space that they use for theatre performances. This occasion I went to see "Stupid Kids" an About Face Theatre presentation. A retelling of a play by John C. Russell who wrote it back in 1991 and performed in NY. The whole play is kind of a Rebel without a Cause story but with 80's pop culture and a story of what gay teenagers had to deal with in society, all kind of mixed in together... I know it's a mouth full. Nobody dies and everybody falls in love, well almost everybody. Other then the actors (which were very cool kids), the dance offs, and the 80's music, I can't say that I was too impressed with this one. Though parts of the dialog were clever at times, the story itself fell a little short for me, plus they really could have scaled back on time. Certain parts about love and teen angst just went on and on. Overall the play was well constructed and the set design was fun and playful. Just want to make a special note to all... About Face Theatre is in serious danger of closing and needs our support even if it is just a little!! They have created creative, exceptional, and fun plays to advance the nations dialogue on gender and sexual identity. Please visit their website to learn more. http://aboutfacetheatre.com/Campaign.html Support the arts!!!!!!!!!

Overall I think this is a great place. I've read some of the other reviews & I will admit that yes, they can have issues on occasion. They are a non-profit so retaining good people is always a struggle plus they have many volunteers as well. That said, I think they have a lot of great programs & are a big plus for the community in many ways. I've been in here for a number of services/programs & personally have always had good experiences.

It's hard to give a not-for-profit like this any less than 5 stars! There are a ton of programs available ranging from youth and senior programs to mental health services. The design of the building is glass/concrete/steel - very cool inside and out. The building is actually connected by a doorway to Whole Foods. The lower level has tables and seating, plus a fireplace, so you can grab some grub from the salad bar, etc. and bring it over. It's a perfect place to meet up with someone for a chat. They also have free FAST wi-fi (I'm on it right now!) for everyone which is great! Lots of publications and community information at the main desk and the bulletin board around the corner. Definitely worth a visit. I'll be back!

Great community center with convenient location, a variety of services and great staff. The space is comfortable and best of all-All gender bathrooms! Yes

I mean, really who can say anything bad about a place that helps the lgbt community (actually, anyone in need), provides space for theater and art gallery showings, while even being able to offer classes on almost everything to enrich people's lives?! Umm, I can't say one bad thing. Even the fact that there's a Whole Foods next door that you can get pizza from and take into the lobby is nice. My advice: Come to see one of their plays/presentations. Come to see how they are helping the lgbt community and maybe help out with them. Come to an art gallery show. Basically just come to the Center of Halsted. You'll be glad you did.

WOW -- what a beautiful building, both architecturally and conceptually. I strongly recommend taking a tour on Saturday afternoons, you can see the amazing rooftop terrace, gymnasium, and theater. Chicago has really taken its place in the advocacy of GLBT rights by promoting some amazing events and monthly lectures/movies/discussions. One compliant (hence minus one star) - PLEASE get the younger people who are SO disruptive to respect others' peaceful enjoyment of the facilities. I sometimes use the free Computer Center and it is a zoo in there when these younger people come in and cause a real ruckus. Sometimes they stand in the lobby on the second floor and are very loud when carrying about, but their foul language is VERY offensive. Never thought I would hear the "N-word" at the Center that promotes respect and tolerance for all. But what a crown jewel in the Chicago Gay and Lesbian community !!!!!

Differing opinions on the Center on Halsted here; The building is faboo, no doubt; for $22mil it better be. That it morphed from a social service agency to 'community center' is awesome. Down side: leed certification should be reviewed. The amount of pure trash generated by staff & clients is voluminous and very (emphasis on VERY) little is recycled.

Wow. They do so much for the transgender community and others, I won't even go into details here. Best thing for me is the first floor. They have free wi-fi and let you eat food there. So sometimes I come to hang out. Their bathrooms are IMMACULATE, and the upstairs bathroom allows "us" (transgendered) to enter the male or female side. One gripe: there's a heavy alcoholic smell in the air like really strong vodka. I'm sure it's just from the cleaning tools, but phew. I hate vodka. When I go to the bathroom I have to pull my shirt over my nose. NOT good when you're trying to wipe!

BEAUTIFUL! Not only is it appealing as a structure, it is a beautiful concept. It is a haven for all no matter who you are and what you are into. It is a great place to sit upstairs surrounded by a constantly rotating art gallery full of amazing local artists. David Joseph, the curator does an amazing job changing it up from photographers to painters and the like. He does an amazing job weaving the different threads of humanity together. Love that I can go there late at night when the neighborhood starts to get rowdy or during the day I can grab something at whole foods and sit in peace before I jump back into the race! Only fault, the front staff looks BORED out of their minds. Good thing it is easy to navigate since it would be hard to tear them away from their personal conversations long enough to get an answer.

I came all the way from L.A. for GQC! Okay, not quite (I came to visit, GQC was just a perk!), but I really did travel that far. It was great to be in a safe space where we were able to just talk. I mostly listened, but everyone there was pretty rad. I would recommend coming here for any LGBT/Q people in the area, or friends of LGBT/Q people if you want to learn, I guess.

Thank you for serving as the spot for the local community. Your work and dedication to the local community is appreciated. I think it is funny that people complain about free services such as the Center not realizing that services aren't free. It comes out of your tax dollar. So cherish it, embrace it, and promote it. Because you can either chose to do your CIVIL duty and be a positive force or be a VANDAL and poo poo everything that others have work so hard for to provide. Be a giver, not a taker.

The Center is amazing. The Windy City Comicon was a success in no small part because of The Center. The staff is passionate and always helpful. If you or your company is interested in holding an event, The Center can fit your needs. New, clean, classy, easy to get to, the pluses go on and on. Chicago should be proud that such a community center exists.

I haven't been here too many times but I'm impressed with the quality of the building and the civic contributions it provides in many ways, with performance, education, medical, technological, and social programs for both struggling and established community members. There is a nice theater upstairs where our group the LPSO orchestra plays: the acoustics are NOT ideal (very dry/flat sounding) but it is workable. Various other events and festivals here but I don't come all that often, its a nicely done open space that connects directly with the Whole Foods Market. I love how the lobby is open for study or socialization and also the gender-identified bathroom signs!

The Center on Halsted is a true gem of Chicago. Honestly, the fact that the city has a place like this should make people proud. I found out about the Center due to the fact that the Windy City Comicon has been held there for the past two years. I don't live in the neighborhood so I might have never known about the center if it hadn't been for the con. The place is really amazing. Basketball courts, a theater, a state of the art computer lab. The place has everything.

I live across the street from the Center. Although I can appreciate what they have tried to accomplish they simply aren't following through as a member/neighbor in our community. They police what goes on in the building but when things get out of hand they and their security team have them "move on" which means a block or two away or across the street. We consistently have Center goers using our alley as their bathroom (for both #1 and #2s). They have blocked my wife's car from getting out of our parking spot. Today there was a fight in front of our garage which I videotaped. I took over to the Center and the 5 individuals who were fighting followed me in. I shared with the people behind the desk and they said there is nothing they can do. So these hooligans sat down and laughed knowing they can do what ever they want. There was a young mom with her baby in the alley who caught the fight too. When I questioned the individuals about their behavior and fighting in front of children (I have 3) they said why would a mom be in an alley with a kid (because it is where she lives and parks her car). Secondly, one said they were being respectful by taking the fights to the alley. I went to the police who are equally as frustrated but since there was no victim there's nothing they can do. I asked what has to happen does my wife need to get hit by one of them? She said "yes".....unbelievable how handcuffed we are with the problem that is The Center on Halsted.

I saw a slam poetry event here a few days ago, and I was seriously impressed--and I can be quite jaded when it comes to queer entertainment. I like this space a lot even though I joke that it does resemble an upscale community college. So be it. Amazing views from the rooftop deck. Being connected to a Whole Foods (hello, they have gelato) is going to cost me in the long run, I think. Also it's tempting to park in their lot and run into the Center. Dangerous.

The Center on Halsted is unquestionably the best LGBTQ center that I've encountered in the US. The Center puts the NYC and LA LGBT centers to shame. The building is new, large, lovely, LEED certified, has a Whole Foods in the building, and is open to all to use. There's a computer center and classes. The programming is aimed at everyone in the community, including us bi folks who are almost always forgotten by the lesbians and gay men. There seems to be great programming for trans identified people as well. There is also programming for the younger and older LBGTQ people. It seems as if the Center genuinely cares about every member of our community. The amazingness of this place led me to volunteer here when I lived in Chicago. Of course there's always room for more events, but for a non-profit with such a small programming staff they do an amazing job. Chicago queer peeps, go volunteer here to increase the events and keep the Center an incredibly space for us all! Boston, do things Chicago style and get us a center like this! Bravo Chicago! Bravo!

Center on Halsted was actually one of my "go-to" locations when I visited before moving here. It's absolutely gorgeous, huge and well designed building. For the most part the place is very welcoming the LGBTQ community is fabulous in Chicago. There programs are fabulous and I feel are helpful for people in need. *Lesbian in need right here* There is a lot of space for activities but it seems like the space isn't occupied very often. I am always looking over the site for events and for HOW BIG the space and HOW BIG the community around here it seems to fall short. There always seems to be a lack of lesbian events, but I truly think that's nothing to do with the Center at all I just think lesbians spend too much time cuddling and eating vegan food or running a marathon somewhere or something. A huge con for this building is they lack electrical outlets. I would love to go over there and study or browse the internet on their free wifi and possibly meet some friends or check out cute chicks... but that is now restricted to my battery length. Keep going strong Center!

A great space to get work done or people watch. The Reception staff are super helpful and approachable. I really enjoy the Center and the services it provides to our LGBTQIA siblings as well as the surrounding community. I've had good experiences attending Speed Dating events, various Conventions they've held on the 3rd floor, plays and I even got my CPR/AED/First Aid recert at one of the classes they hosted there.

We have had a horrible experience with Center on Halsted's services for a transgender individual and a pansexual individual that were in my charge recently. Here's the timeline: *Toured the facility. Made appointment for intake with case worker Rayna Moore. *Complete intake paperwork. Make appointment for case management with Rayna. *A Friday - Arrived to appointment 10 minutes early. The receptionist called Rayna and got her voice mail. Thirty minutes later, client asked the receptionist to call again. When Rayna down, she said we were twenty minutes late and we told her we were ten minutes early and that the receptionist had called. She seemed flustered and said she never got the message but couldn't meet with us any longer that day. *Monday, client called Rayna and left a message to re-schedule. He received no response. The next day, on Tuesday, he called again and left another two messages to re-schedule. He received no response. The next day, on Wednesday, he called again and left another message to re-schedule. He again received no response. So I called the same day and left a message. I called right back to ask to speak to a manager above Rayna's head but received the Rayna's extension again. She answered this time, did not acknowledge her lack of communication with the client and was very sweet toward me. We were able to re-schedule our appointment. On the day of the appointment, I made an unfortunate error in timing and traffic and we were running late. I called her at exactly the time of our appointment to tell her we were running ten minutes late (voice mail again, even though she should have been expecting a call to say we were there at that time!) and we did indeed arrive there exactly ten minutes late. The receptionist left her another message to tell her we were there. We waited for twenty minutes without seeing Rayna. The receptionist attempted to call her again with no answer, saying her co-workers were all looking for her (really? It's not that big of a space!). We received no call from Rayna about her missing a second appointment. So I e-mailed the director of youth services, Tim'm West. When he e-mails me back, he gives me the excuse of overextended staff and says he would meet with me on a Saturday, although he made it sound like it would be as a HUGE favor to me. I asked to speak by phone during that Saturday slot as he suggested or meet at a different time since I would not be available then, anyway, and I made it obvious I was interested in going the distance for Chicago's LGBT/Q youth. This was four days ago and I still have not heard back from him. In a community that is fragile, trying to gain ground and receive the legitimacy it deserves in today's culture, I am disappointed for any client who slips through the cracks or is blatantly discriminated against for any reason. The client I was in charge of was finally receiving the support at home that he needs as a transsexual human being but he has been let down again by the huge promise and hope he saw in Center on Halsted and their services. Finally, he could receive hormones and counseling to get his life on track. Instead, he was let down and because he realized that he would not be receiving reliable help from the Center, he relocated back to Michigan and, subsequently, back to a damaging and unsupportive environment where no possibility of such a center of support exists. Having worked in non-profit and now as a teacher, I was appalled to get the run around from both Rayna and Tim'm. Don't tell me your staff is overextended - that's why we made appointments. Don't act like fixing your staff's error is a huge favor to me or an inconvenience for you when it shouldn't have been made to begin with. I feel like the youth in my care was blatantly discriminated against. Nothing else can explain why he called four times with no response or why she skipped out on two meetings, not even if she was overextended. I don't know about their cyber center or meeting and event services. I just would not recommend them for LGBT/Q services. They were disappointing to everyone involved and I can only imagine this is happening across the board.

Every year my daughters and I help host a Thanksgiving dinner for gay youths. So far everything has been great. Looking forward to this year's dinner.

In the past I would have gave the COH five stars or more!!! I use to enjoy being able to go in sit down in the lobby area, hang out with friends, use our laptops with their free wifi that they offer, but as of this week it just isn't as enjoyable. At some point in this last week they have removed all power outlets in the lobby area. Now a place that use to packed with people using laptops and having fun and enjoying a safe place to hang out is almost completely empty and I only noticed myself and one other person using a laptop there now :( This is truly a sad day for The Center and Chicago!

Really really great place in chicago. Not only is the architecture really beautiful, but the purpose that this place serves is really fantastic. It also provides arguably the best eating area of any of the Whole Foods in chicago! yay1

I can't see why anyone would give the Center on Halsted anything less than five stars. In just a few short years it has become a port in the storm for the LGBT community. The Center is nothing but positive messages and good vibes for the Chicago community. The Center has allowed people to bring together so many great resources from various youth programs, counseling, anti-violence programs, HIV/AIDS educators and testing, and so much more. They've also got the gym, a small theater, free wifi, and other free services for those that may need them. My boyfriend's volleyball team has their games at the Center and every time I go to cheer the team on I'm proud to walk into the Center knowing what a great symbol of how far the LGBT community has come and hopefully where it will continue to go.

With my own gay history going back to 1973, I have come a long way too. I remember the womyn's hotline, and some great moments at the 'coffeehouse'. I walked into a closet, despite their efforts, but came back out after many volunteer hours that I put in with some pretty cool kids who were faced with similar issues I had been years before... Horizons, Passages, the AVP, the AIDS action project.....oh so much work the COH has done for our community. COH was inducted in the GLBT Hall of Fame and should be ten times over. GREAT organization, great programs, great bunch of people, volunteers and staff alike, and much-needed advocates, I love you COH !! Even though I think there should be several centers and not just one, this city needs more orgs and spaces like this !