THE VOICE OF CHICAGO'S GAY, LESBIAN, BI, TRANS AND QUEER COMMUNITY SINCE 1985

HBHC is launching a "planning process" so that BYC will ultimately move into the second floor of its main facility at 4025 N. Sheridan Rd., according to President and CEO David Munar. No timeline or budget has been established yet for the move and community meetings about the matter will not begin until the fall. Laura McAlpine, of McAlpine Consulting for Growth, will lead the planning process.

BYC is currently based in the basement of Wellington Avenue United Church of Christ, 615 W. Wellington Avenue. In late-2013, the facility had zoning problems, but those were ultimately resolved and BYC recently renewed an agreement to occupy the space for another year. Nevertheless, it was time for BYC to lay down more permanent roots, according to Munar.

"Broadway Youth Center is an oasis from the harsh realities that youth face daily on the street," he said, adding that the new location would offer more privacy, autonomy and space, as well as facilities for laundry, storage and showers. "There's no better way to commemorate our 40th anniversary."

Additional announcements at the meeting included a new sliding scale for fees for clients who utilize HBHC's STI/HIV walk-in clinic testing; an on-site legal clinic; a "make-over" for the Andersonville Brown Elephant resale store; and research work done in conjunction with Lurie Children's Hospital. A fundraiser Halloween party will also take place in October.

Munar said that HBHC is slowly regaining its financial footing after some years of financial and organizational turmoil. It refinanced its mortgage and addressed debts with Northwestern University and the federal government, and is about one-third of the way toward its goal—which is standard for most nonprofits—of having cash reserves on hand to cover 90 days.

"We're on a solid path towards future growth," said Munar. HBHC serves about 27,000 patients annually. That also now includes close to 2,000 trans clients.

But Board Chair Duke Alden cautioned that HBHC could have "risks ahead," given drastic spending cuts proposed by Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner in February. At stake would be about $1.1 million for HBHC, he said.

"That means that 1,500 patients would be adversely affected. There would be delays, or complete loss of medical care for them, or loss of their housing or other support services," Alden noted. "The bottom line is it will add to the spending the state has to put out, not subtract from it."

Urging audience members to reach out to their legislators, Alden said, "If we come to that fight united, we have a much better [likelihood] of success."

Aurelio Fabrizio was honored at the event for his contribution of $5,000 for exam room equipment, which was in gratitude to his physician, Chief Clinical Officer Magda Houlberg. Robert Blackie was also honored for his volunteer work.

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