Onward Neighborhood House began construction on a $7.5 million CARES Community Center in Belmont Cragin on March 31, aiming to provide free health care, groceries, bilingual mental health services, and adult education to immigrant and low-income residents. Organizers expect construction to finish by Labor Day with the center opening by the end of the year.
The new facility at 2644 N. Central Ave. will bring several social services under one roof, including a primary care clinic operated with CommunityHealth, a pediatric clinic with the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago, two adult education classrooms featuring Wilbur Wright College programs, bilingual mental health services through Cicero Family Service, and event space for neighborhood gatherings.
Onward House’s Illinois Welcoming Center for Immigrants and Refugees will also move into the expanded property. The community center will include an enlarged food pantry equipped with a walk-in freezer to help feed more than the current 250 residents per week. There will also be a demonstration kitchen for cooking lessons and a rooftop garden supplying produce for the pantry.
Executive Director Mario García said only the skeleton of what was previously a funeral home remains after renovations began. He explained that Onward House noticed an increased need for accessible health care during the COVID-19 pandemic: “As the federal government pulls away from social services, we are providing the services that, without us, would be disappearing.”
Rep. Delia Ramirez helped secure $3 million in federal funding for this project and said at Monday’s groundbreaking that it would help “neighbors build lives full of dignity, health and prosperity.” Richard Logan of the Reva and David Logan Foundation called it “a beacon of hope for thousands.”
A recent assessment found nearly double citywide rates of uninsured residents in Belmont Cragin compared to other areas as well as fewer primary care providers per capita. García said he hopes this project can serve as “a model” showing how cooperation among elected officials, philanthropic leaders and private sector members can benefit local communities.
