Uptown – Heartland Alliance Health, a former branch of the Heartland Alliance social service network, stops.
THE Non -profit community health center Close its Uptown and Englewood clinics and its three pantry by April 7, said Michael Brieschke, president of the union representing many group workers. Brieschke said the union had been informed of the imminent closure at a meeting last Wednesday.
In a press release, Christina Martinez, the head of the HEARTLAND Alliance Health, confirmed that the non -profit organization was closed.
“Unfortunately, after significant efforts, (Heartland Alliance Health) determined that he no longer had a lasting path to follow and must finish the operations,” wrote Martinez. “HAH is extremely grateful for staff, participants and partners who have supported the organization for 40 years. HAH will continue to work in close collaboration with donors, community suppliers and government partners while removing operations by emphasizing the reduction of the impact on its vulnerable population and staff. »»
The clinics of the 4009 N. Broadway and the 5501 S. Halsted St. do not make new meetings for patients and direct people to other federal skilled health centers or clinics, according to Heartland’s website. After Block Club Chicago contacted, the non -profit association announced its closure on its website.
There are 113 staff members at Heartland Alliance Health who will lose their jobs following the organization of the organization, including 50 in the union, said Brieschke. Between low-cost clinics and pantry, the organization serves around 8,000 people a year, he said.
“This leaves a very big hole in the community, especially for health care,” said Brieschke. “There is already a lack of health services for low -income communities.”
Brieschke said that he was told that the closure stems from financial problems, which, according to him, “was preparing for at least last year”. In 2023, before the group separated from Heartland Alliance to become its own non -profit organization, Brieschke said that a “substantial” number of employees were to be on leave. Some were brought back a few months later, but others were dismissed, he said.
Martinez and Mary Kay Gilbert, acting executive director of Heartland Alliance Health, did not answer Block Club questions on the reasons for the closure of the non -profit organization, her financial state or her calendar for the closing.
Last year, The management of Heartland Alliance told Chicago Tribune The previous financial problems were caused by vacancies of staff, the increase in health costs after the COVVI-19 pandemic, the shelters that have increased migrants arriving in Chicago and at the initial costs involved in contracts With agencies such as Chicago Department of Public Health.
It is not known whether these same reasons are behind the current financial difficulties of Heartland Alliance Health.
Heartland Alliance, an organization of social services based in Chicago with roots dating from the progressive reformer Jane Addams in 1888, was confronted with significant challenges in recent years of its existence.
In 2023, The organization has dissolved its housing armHeartland Housing, also because of financial misfortunes. Fourteen affordable housing properties were placed under sequestration after Heartland Alliance did not pay the invoices of public service and waste, addressing violations of the building code and to secure real estate insurance.
In April 2024, Heartland Alliance has announced that his remaining divisions would become independent entities To improve their viability. On July 1, Heartland Alliance Health became his own non -profit organization. Heartland Human Care Services, Heartland Alliance International and the National Immigrant Justice Center are also old divisions of Heartland Alliance which have become distinct non -profit.
The calendar for each Heartland Alliance health clinic and Food Pantry will close is still not clear, said Brieschke. He said he was told that it would be a “progressive” and “increasing” closure until April 7.
Ellen Meyers, a frequent donor of the Heartland Health Food pantry at 5543 N. Broadway in Edgewater, said its closure would be a devastating loss for the community. Meyers said she was a regular volunteer at the pantry since her opening in 1988 until about six years ago. Heartland Alliance Health also operates pantry at 4121 W. Lake St. at Garfield Park and 151 W. 75th St. to Greater Grand Crossing.
Also known as the grocery store, the EDGEWATER GARDAWE has been founded to help people living with HIV or AIDS, but grew up to become a resource for all those who need it, said Meyers. People can get nutritious foods as well as basic products that cannot be purchased with food coupons, such as hygienic paper, detergent and pet food, she said.
“This is what the grocery store is: it is human contact without judgment for people,” said Meyers. “There is no discussion on the same way:” Why are you here? ” You know why you are there.
With the imminent closure of Heartland Alliance Health, Meyers said that she was worried about where Pantry customers would go, considering The pantry through the city have experienced increased needs In recent years, in addition to aiming for Potential interruptions in federal funding implemented by the administration of President Donald Trump.
Other former divisions of the Heartland Alliance affected by the Fed financing suspension
Other former divisions of the Heartland Alliance are also faced with challenges.
Heartland Alliance International experienced more than 90% of its staff and suspended many of its larger contracts due to the suspension in the process of foreign aid, chief of operation Rebecca Obrock said last week on Linkedin.
Obrock did not respond to a request for block club comments on the viability of the non -profit association.
Brieschke, president of the union who also includes employees of Heartland Alliance International, said that 16 union employees in Chicago who work with the Group’s Kovler Marjorie Center were on leave but brought back to work after the group found additional funding.
Heartland Human Care Services officials told Block club that the non -profit association had recently experienced a funding break, but did not need leave staff.
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