LGBT Center has new home in Harrisburg

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The LGBT Center of Central PA‘s 18-month search for a new home has ended. 

The center announced Tuesday the purchase of 1323 N. Front Street in Harrisburg as its new and permanent home. 

The 3,000 square foot building is in Midtown near Front and Verbeke, and accessible by bike, bus, car, or foot. The site is expected to host programs and events and serve as a hub for LGBTQ+ communities across Central Pennsylvania. 

Building renovations are scheduled to be completed this summer. Renovations include making the space fully ADA accessible, expanding the lobby and community room, and installing a full kitchen. The building contains a board room, two gender-inclusive restrooms, and staff offices. 

“This is especially meaningful for us because it is a home of our own, a building that we own, and a permanent space for our center,” LGBT Center Executive Director Amanda Arbour said in a statement. “Past experience showed us the importance of having control over our own space. Ownership will also support the long-term financial health of the center, as we build equity and plan for the future.” 

The center’s board leadership said its work at the LGBT Center of Central PA is as important as ever in the face of increasing anti-LGBTQ rhetoric and discrimination. 

“With the establishment of a home of our own, we extend heartfelt gratitude to all who support our efforts in fostering the health and wellbeing of our community,” said Wallace McKelvey, board co-chair. 

Board Co-Chair TaWanda Stallworth said the new site will help meet the needs of the LGBT community. 

The purchase of the center’s new home is supported by a capital campaign, which received pledges for 61% of the total $350,000 fundraising goal. The center continues to fundraise through its campaign and encourages donations at all levels to support the center’s new home. 

The capital campaign’s committee is chaired by Ted Martin, and its members include Donald Bucher, Benjamin Dunlap, Sandie Geary, Brad Gebhart, Marlene Kanuck, Stuart Landon, Barry Loveland, Dan Miller, Jennifer Ross, and Michelle Simmons. 

Martin, one of the founders of the center, said that now that the LGBT community is assured of having a home, “it’s on all of us to keep the doors open forever.” 

The center worked with Nick Sallack from Landmark Commercial Realty to secure the site and will preview the space at their “A Home of Our Own” soft launch event on August 18 from 5 p.m.-8 p.m. at 1323 N Front Street during 3rd in the Burg.