Why A New Center

About Resource Center Dallas

When Resource Center Dallas was established, a diagnosis of AIDS was a death sentence and discrimination and oppression based on sexual orientation were commonplace. "Coming out" meant risking the loss of family, friends, and jobs.

Although the HIV epidemic is no longer front-page news, it remains a public health crisis. And while discrimination toward the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community is no longer universally tolerated, the need for health, education and social services is critical.

Resource Center Dallas works to heal, empower and educate the North Texas community. After three decades of cobbling together available spaces to meet increasing client needs, the demand for programs and services outstrips its current facilities.

Vision

The Center is raising funds to construct a 38,000-square-foot LGBT Community Center and Clinic near the intersection of Cedar Springs and Inwood Road. It will double the space for health, community, and educational programs; and move the Center's three facilities into one efficient location. Designed by architect Jim Langford, the new building will be a vibrant and welcoming space on a major intersection to serve as the heart of the LGBT community and those affected by HIV.

Health and Wellness Programs

• The Center is one of two HIV dental clinics in the area and has a waiting list for new patients. The new building doubles the amount of dental space to help double the number of patients we can serve.
• More than 16,000 people are living with HIV in North Texas, with a 33% increase expected by 2015. More clinic space will deliver 50% more in HIV prevention, testing and counseling services.
• The Center's mental health counseling program, in collaboration with SMU, with additional room to grow, will be able to increase volume 100% and add psychiatry services.
• As the only non-residential meals program for persons with HIV/AIDS and one of only two food pantries, the Center's expansion will increase its nutrition services capacity by 35%.

Family and Community Programs

• Dallas has the ninth highest concentration of same-sex couples in the nation. The new building doubles the available community meeting space, allowing more groups and organizations to have a place to gather and learn.
• The Center will also have space to provide low-cost office space and support services to LGBT and allied organizations.

Education and Advocacy Programs

• Nearly 9 out of ten LGBT students experienced harassment in 2010. In the new building, Resource Center Dallas will host cultural competency courses for large companies and government agencies.
• State law allows employers to fire people based solely on the fact they are LGBT. The Center's annual job fair, along with workplace education and consulting, will be able to accommodate 500-700 additional employers and learners annually.

About the Campaign

The goal of the Capital Campaign is to raise $12 million to address the needs of our health and nutritional services with expanded and updated space for the medical clinic, hot meals programs and food pantry and expand the community center; family, community and education programming and service. Once the new facility is complete, proceeds from the sale of the Center's facility will create an operating endowment for its programs and services. Resource Center Dallas Foundation was created to support Resource Center Dallas' mission by raising funds to construct and endow a new LGBT Community Center and Clinic.

For more information, please contact Mack Campbell, Capital Campaign Manager, at 214-540-4458 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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