Providing Support and Comprehensive Programs
Community Human Services (CHS) and the HIV Prevention and Care Project (HPCP) at the University of Pittsburgh designed and implemented a recreation-based community health space, Project Silk, for young (13-34) year old Black men who have sex with men and transgender women in the Pittsburgh, Pa. Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). This encompasses nonHispanic and Hispanic individuals; gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men; and individuals of varying socioeconomic status, though predominately youth and young adults who fit into the federal definition of poverty. CHS and HPCP formed an academic-community partnership, Project Silk, serving this community across the HIV prevention and care continuum. Established in 2012 as a CDC demonstration project, Project Silk is an innovative model that pairs recreational programming activities with HIV/STI prevention, testing, linkage to medical care, broad-spectrum social services and mental health care provided onsite, and social support and social capital initiatives. Project Silk provides a replicable, comprehensive intervention model for cities with YBMSM and YBTW populations that suffer substantial HIV prevalence and lack community infrastructure.
What is GLO:
GLO (formerly Project Silk) serves LGBTQ+ Men of Color and Trans Women of Color. The drop-in site operates as a recreational space for youth and young adults ages 14-34, an STI/HIV testing site and resource center for counseling and a variety of other social services. GLO is committed to reducing the community's HIV viral load by testing and linking individuals to HIV care and prevention.
What is a YAB:
The GLO Youth Advisory Board (YAB) is comprised of 10 dynamic queer men and trans women of color from the Harrisburg area ranging in age from 14 to 34. Following a youth-led model, YAB members meet monthly and offer thoughtful consideration to the ideal location, hours of operation, methods of engagement, and the types of programming that would best benefit their peers. These youth and young adult leaders also advise partner organizations on how best to serve their communities and proudly work to establish a safe, affirming space for queer LGBTQ+ youth of color.
Vision: To empower members of our communities to live healthy, authentic lives.
Mission: Our mission is to maintain a space in which LGBTQ+ Men of Color and Trans Women of Color have access to the support and resources necessary to create holistically healthy lives, relationships and communities by offering HIV and STI education, testing, prevention, and linkage to care.
Where:
303 Walnut St. Suite 204 Harrisburg, PA 17101
in the Strawberry Square Building
Hours of Operation:
Drop-in hours are Monday and Friday from 3:00 - 8:00pm for youth ages 14-17. Young adults, ages 18-29, may meet with staff by appointment only on Tuesdays from Noon until 2pm. Young adult drop in hours are 3:00-8:00pm Tuesday and Thursday.
Accessibility Information:
There is a ramp available for use. The space is on the second floor next to the food court. One gender neutral accessible bathroom and one shower stall are available. Parking is available on the street (free after 5PM). GLO is accessible by bus route #3.
Follow GLO:
Community Partners:
GLO is made possible by the collaboration of Hamilton Health Center, the LGBT Center of Central PA, and the UPMC Pinnacle REACCH Program.