Milwaukee LGBT Community Center relocates to Walker's Point
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) –The Milwaukee LGBT Community Center has officially moved their operations.
The group says the relocation from Court Street to Walker's Point is being made to ensure they can keep their doors open at a time they're needed most.
"After the loss of $900,000, it really caused us to have to re-strategize and refocus as to how we are delivering services," said Ritchie Martin Jr., the executive director of the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center.
Martin says without those hundreds of thousands of dollars in grant funds, the group has had to downsize their building to keep providing vital resources for the Milwaukee area.
"This announcement could have been different," said Martin. "It could have been, you know, we were closing, dissolving, but we were determined, with the community's help, to keep our doors open."
The center is the only LGBT Community Center in Southeast Wisconsin. It provides mental health services, food pantries, support groups and more.
"We are not going anywhere, in fact we are getting louder," said Martin. "We are very proud to be coming back to Walker's Point."
He says now more than ever, the center is needed for the LGBTQ+ community.
"Especially with the attacks on the trans community, ensuring they have a safe space to come to, our young people have a safe space to come to," said Martin. "Again, it's all about resilience and making sure we show up every day, regardless of what those attacks may look like."
The group is continuing to work to create a safe and inclusive space for everyone.
"It's very comforting to be here and, you know, talk to people with the same identity or different identity," said Nico Pavon, with the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center. "Learning about people's experiences is always really important."
There is no official date set for the grand opening, but they say they hope to be open by mid-March.
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