KISSIMMEE, Fla. – Seven years after its initial opening, the Kissimmee office of the Center Orlando, widely known as the LGBT+ Center, will officially close its doors.
The decision comes as a result of federal funding cuts and other budgetary constraints.
“In April we announced some funding cuts that we received and we are just starting to see that reflected in our budget and we want to make sure that we are sustainable,” said Nicole Parker, chief operating officer for the Center.
The closure marks the end of an important resource and safe space for the LGBT+ community in the Kissimmee area. The Center Orlando has been a vital part of the community, providing support, advocacy and services to individuals over the years.
Officials attribute the permanent shutdown to the reduction of federal funding alongside other financial challenges, which have made it unsustainable to continue operations at this location.
The community and supporters acknowledge the impact the Center has had since its establishment and hope for future initiatives to continue supporting the LGBT+ population in the region.
News 6 was there at the Kissimmee location, which was busy, on Monday, but The Center asked us to respect their privacy and HIPPA laws. However, some did tell News 6 Osceola County Community Correspondent Laverne McGee that they were disappointed it was closing.
The center will close on Aug. 31.
People can still get HIV and STD testing in Kissimmee at their clinical partner, Harmony, located in the same building.
For other services, such as counseling, they will need to go to main locations on Mills Avenue and Hillcrest Street in Orlando.
“We have been open for 50 years and we want to be open another 50 years, so we are focusing on our Orlando location,” Parker said.
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