Heartland Alliance Health to Shut Down Food Pantries and Clinics, Impacting 8,000 Chicagoans
Closure Imminent
Heartland Alliance Health, once an arm of one of Chicago’s leading social service organizations, is shutting down. The nonprofit’s Englewood and Uptown health clinics and three food pantries will be closed by April 7, said Michael Brieschke, the chair of the Heartland Alliance Union. Roughly 8,000 Chicagoans who depend on the organization’s services will be impacted.
Background
The closure comes less than a year after Heartland Alliance split up into four separate entities: Heartland Human Care Services, Heartland Alliance Health, Heartland Alliance International, and the National Immigrant Justice Center.
Details of the Closure
The three food pantries will be closed on February 22, Brieschke said. Heartland Alliance Health will gradually cease the remaining operations by April 7. The organization employs 113 people, 50 of whom are union members. The employees have not been told when their last day will be, Brieschke said.
Reaction from Union Chair
"It’s just devastating," Brieschke told the Sun-Times. "They’re heartbroken and angry. Not only are they losing their jobs, but they’re also devastated for the 8,000 people who are served by Heartland Health Alliance each year. This will have a big impact on them."
Statement from Heartland Alliance Health
Representatives for Heartland Health Alliance did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The organization’s website displayed a message announcing the closure. The clinics, at 4009 N. Broadway and 5501 S. Halsted St., are no longer taking patients, according to the website.
"It is with great sadness that Heartland Alliance Health (HAH) will be closing its doors," the message reads. "HAH will continue to work closely with funders, community providers, and government partners while winding down its operations with a focus on lessening the impact on its vulnerable population and staff."
History of Heartland Alliance
Heartland Alliance’s origins date back to 1888 when it was founded by progressive reformer Jane Addams. Addams, one of Chicago’s early leaders in the movement to end poverty, also founded Hull House and was a co-recipient of the 1931 Nobel Peace Prize.
Community Reaction
"This is a disaster, but we will be here to the bitter end," said Lori Cannon, co-founder of OpenHand Chicago, which operated under the umbrella of Heartland Alliance. "We’ve been tossed to the wind. We have a very powerful community history that’s not been ended, but temporarily suspended through no fault of our own."
Concerns about Federal Funding
The closure of the nonprofit’s health clinics and food pantries is also happening as social service organizations in Chicago and throughout the country fret about their future as the Trump administration attempts to cut their federal funding.
"There is a lot of concern over how the federal government keeps threatening funding for organizations that serve low-income communities," Brieschke said. "People might be able to get another job serving low-income people, but what happens down the road with the federal government?"
Conclusion
The closure of Heartland Alliance Health’s food pantries and clinics will have a significant impact on the 8,000 individuals who rely on the organization’s services. The community is left to wonder what the future holds for these organizations, which provide vital support to low-income communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is Heartland Alliance Health shutting down?
A: Heartland Alliance Health is shutting down due to financial struggles, which have been ongoing for over a year and a half.
Q: How many people will be impacted by the closure?
A: Roughly 8,000 Chicagoans who depend on Heartland Alliance Health’s services will be impacted.
Q: What is the timeline for the closure?
A: The three food pantries will be closed on February 22, and Heartland Alliance Health will cease operations by April 7.
Q: What is the reaction from the union?
A: The union is devastated by the news and is concerned about the impact on employees and the community.
