Onward House Community Center And Food Pantry Nears Completion In Belmont Cragin

The aroma of freshly baked bread and the promise of accessible healthcare will soon fill the Belmont Cragin neighborhood as Onward Neighborhood House prepares to open its new CARES Community Center. For over 130 years, Onward House has served Chicago’s immigrant and low-income communities, and this $8.6 million facility, located at 2644 N. Central Ave., represents a significant expansion of those vital services. The center, slated to open December 7th, will consolidate existing programs and create a one-stop shop for residents struggling with food insecurity, health concerns, and the challenges of navigating a new life in America.

The new CARES Community Center will house a free primary care clinic, a food pantry rebranded as the “CARES Corner Store,” bilingual mental health services, classrooms for adult education, a community room with a demonstration kitchen, a rooftop garden, and onsite immigration legal services – all under one roof. Emilio Araujo, Onward House’s director of development and communications, explained that the project began in 2022 when the Reva and David Logan Foundation approached the nonprofit about renovating a vacant former funeral home. The foundation, known for supporting social service and arts organizations, has acquired numerous properties across the Chicago area to facilitate expansion. The 21,000-square-foot building represents a crucial step forward for an organization that has outgrown its current footprint.

Onward House has secured significant funding for the project, receiving $3 million in federal funding, $1.5 million from the state, and $500,000 from the city of Chicago. Despite this support, the organization is actively seeking to raise an additional $1 million to fully realize the center’s potential, with donations gratefully accepted here. The new facility will allow Onward House to better serve the approximately 7,000 households that relied on its programs in 2025.

Currently, Onward House operates out of three storefronts along Diversey Avenue, at 5413 W. Diversey Ave., providing a food pantry, early childhood education, a free clinic, adult education classes, and the Illinois Welcoming Center—a critical resource for immigrants and refugees. The need for expanded services is evident, particularly given the growth of the food pantry. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the pantry served around 50 families weekly; now, it supports between 350 and 400 families—a stark illustration of the economic pressures facing many Chicago families.

Responding to Crisis: The Clinic's Growth

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the critical need for accessible healthcare, prompting Onward House to partner with CommunityHealth to launch a free clinic in 2020. The clinic, initially operating within the existing storefronts, has seen tremendous growth, serving 481 patients last year, with over 200 being new. Eleni Dima, Onward House’s institutional giving officer, noted that the new CARES building will triple the clinic’s space across three floors. The expansion will allow for a greater capacity to serve uninsured and underinsured patients, a vital service for a community facing significant health disparities.

The new clinic’s location next to the Illinois Welcoming Center is strategically designed to streamline referrals. Mary Harrington, Onward House’s director of community health initiatives, emphasized the importance of connecting residents with the medical care they need, especially given the multiple jobs many hold. “Any commute or anything like that, it’s just more of a barrier,” Harrington said. The clinic will also collaborate with the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago to provide family health services and Cicero Family Service for bilingual mental health resources, creating a comprehensive network of support.

In addition to CommunityHealth, Onward House is partnering with Latinos Progresando, a Little Village-based nonprofit, to offer onsite immigration legal support at the Welcoming Center. This collaboration will provide crucial assistance to immigrants navigating the complex legal system, reflecting a commitment to holistic community support.

A Hub for Neighbors

Beyond providing essential services, Onward House envisions the CARES center as a vibrant community hub. The CARES Corner Store, designed to resemble a traditional grocery store with shopping carts and a checkout, will offer nutritious food options. The adjacent community room, featuring a demonstration kitchen, will host cooking classes to teach residents how to prepare healthy meals using pantry ingredients. The rooftop garden will further contribute to the corner store’s offerings, providing fresh produce grown locally.

“The CARES model is all about having all of our collaborators together in one space,” Araujo explained. “We have the trust within the community, and the partners have the resources and services. By bringing that all into one space, everyone gets what they need.” The community room itself boasts a capacity of 200 and will host a diverse range of events, including senior bingo nights, mental health workshops, town hall meetings, and family movie nights, fostering a sense of connection and belonging.

Nick's Take: A Beacon of Hope

The opening of the CARES Community Center represents more than just a new building; it’s a testament to the enduring power of community and the importance of providing a safety net for those facing hardship. Seeing organizations like Onward House thrive, fueled by the generosity of foundations, government funding, and individual donors, is a reminder that the American dream—the promise of opportunity and a helping hand—is still alive. The center's emphasis on family health, mental wellness, and accessible legal support reflects a deep understanding of the challenges facing families today. As Belmont Cragin continues to evolve, this center will serve as a vital anchor, offering stability and hope to countless residents. It's crucial that we support this effort, not just financially but also through volunteerism and a commitment to fostering strong, resilient communities where families can flourish.

Community Reaction

While formal testimonials are limited in the provided source material, the outpouring of support for the CARES Community Center speaks volumes about its importance to the Belmont Cragin community. The high demand for Onward House’s existing services, particularly the food pantry and clinic, demonstrates a clear need for expanded resources. The partnership with CommunityHealth and Latinos Progresando further underscores the collaborative spirit driving this initiative, bringing together diverse organizations to address critical community needs. The eagerness to utilize the community room for various events highlights a desire for connection and shared experiences, reinforcing the center’s role as a gathering place for neighbors.

What's Next

The official opening of the CARES Community Center on December 7th at 1 p.m. marks a significant milestone for Onward House and the Belmont Cragin community. This event, free and open to the public, will provide an opportunity for residents to explore the new facility and learn more about the services offered. Looking ahead, Onward House will focus on raising the remaining $1 million needed to fully equip the center and expand its programs. The organization also plans to continue building partnerships with local organizations to ensure a comprehensive and coordinated approach to addressing community needs. The city of Chicago will likely monitor the center’s impact on the neighborhood, potentially providing further support based on its success.

The success of the CARES Community Center will depend on continued community engagement and financial support. Residents are encouraged to explore volunteer opportunities and consider making donations to help sustain the center’s vital programs. The center's design, prioritizing accessibility and a welcoming atmosphere, suggests a long-term commitment to serving as a cornerstone of the Belmont Cragin community for years to come. The Belmont Cragin Neighborhood Association will likely play a role in connecting residents with the center's offerings.

You can learn more about the CARES center and Onward House here. The future looks brighter for Belmont Cragin, thanks to the dedication of Onward House and the generosity of those who support its mission.