The San Diego LGBT Community Center recently took an exciting step in its phased reopening with an “Open House,” inviting the community to celebrate the reopening and recent renovations of their main facility, where they offer a range of programs and services to help the community feel welcomed, valued, and supported.
More than 400 attendees, including community members, staff, volunteers, and elected officials, joined in celebrating The Center’s Open House – complete with confetti cannons, music, and food – held at its Hillcrest location on May 14.
Elected officials in attendance included San Diego County Supervisor Nora Vargas; San Diego City Attorney Mara Elliott; City of San Diego Councilmember Stephen Whitburn; and City of San Diego Councilmember Marni von Wilpert.
In her opening remarks, Caroline (Cara) Dessert, Esq., CEO of The Center, announced several building upgrades and expanded services to a large crowd of community members. Open House participants who took part in staff-led tours were impressed by facility upgrades of the main floor of the historic building.
“We’ve always said we will fully reopen our building to the public when it is safe to do so for everyone, as we value every community member’s health and wellbeing,” says Dessert. “While we were required to shut the doors to the general public of our physical location here in Hillcrest in March 2020, every Center staff member continued to work hard to find new and innovative ways to help and to continue to support San Diego County’s amazing and diverse LGBTQ community, including serving clients in need in person.”
The renovations of the building’s common areas and community gathering spaces on the first floor occurred during the closure of the physical location caused by the pandemic. These renovations are part of the process to continue The Center’s innovative and relevant work as one of the largest and most vibrant LGBTQ community centers in the country as The Center approaches its 50th anniversary later this year.
“As part of our strategic plan, we surveyed community members who advocated for renovating our Welcome Lobby, having more meeting spaces at The Center, better restrooms, and an improved sound system in our auditorium, to create a more welcoming environment,” describes Dessert. “This is one of the largest renovation projects in our agency’s history.”
Original artwork by members of the San Diego LGBTQ community are showcased in the first floor’s common areas. The team will continue to seek LGBTQ art, especially from artists who identify as BIPOC, for future installations.
Expanded services and resources:
Since the onset of the pandemic, The Center’s food distribution has more than doubled. The number of people experiencing homelessness also became increasingly prevalent, particularly among LGBTQ youth. Last year, The Center provided more than 80,000 direct service visits to community members, and through its events, activities, and advocacy, touched the lives of thousands more.
The Center also began providing free sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening services in March 2022, which provides San Diego residents access to obtain an STI screening in a people-centered, sex-affirming, judgment-free environment.
Some new (and familiar) faces:
To manage the increased demands for services and support during an unprecedented time, The Center’s staff team grew from 70 people before the pandemic to about 90 today – and they’re still hiring.
“Many in our community experienced the loss of family, friends, and loved ones – some lost jobs and businesses,” said Dessert. “We’ve been here for our community through the best and worst of times, as we have been for 50 years. If anyone is in need of The Center’s services again, or for the first time, please reach out and know you are not alone,” says Dessert.
As of June 1, The Center entered Phase 3 of their phased reopening plan. Their main facility, located in Hillcrest, is now open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. They will continue to provide virtual services for support and discussion groups and in-person housing services, as they have done since the start of the pandemic. Given the increase in COVID-19 cases in San Diego, masks will still be required indoors, and clients are required to be vaccinated. Flexibility for the mask requirement will be allowed for special health circumstances.
The Center’s Hillcrest Youth Center continues to be open Monday through Friday, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., with a special Tour Day for families on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and The Center’s South Bay Youth Center adds Fridays to their schedule, now open Monday through Friday, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The Center’s headquarters is located at 3909 Centre St., in the Hillcrest neighborhood of San Diego.
Learn more at www.thecentersd.org or call (619) 692-2077.
