Belmont Cragin – Onward Neighborhood House, a nonprofit that has served Chicago’s immigrant and low‑income families since 2008, is preparing to cut the ribbon on its new CARES Community Center. The $8.6 million project, located at 2644 N. Central Ave., will open on Dec. 7 with a free public open house.
One‑stop‑shop for essential services
The 21,000‑square‑foot former funeral home will house a free primary‑care clinic, a re‑branded CARES Corner Store food pantry, bilingual mental‑health counseling, adult‑education classrooms, a demonstration kitchen, a rooftop garden, and on‑site immigration legal services. The design brings together partners such as CommunityHealth, the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago, Cicero Family Service, and the Illinois Welcoming Center.
Funding and community backing
Onward House secured $3 million in federal funds, $1.5 million from the state of Illinois, and $500,000 from the city of Chicago. The organization is seeking an additional $1 million from private donors to complete the project. The Reva and David Logan Foundation, which initiated the renovation effort in 2022, contributed the property and has a history of supporting local arts and service groups.
Impact on local families
In 2025, Onward House served roughly 7,000 households across its programs. Its free clinic, launched during the COVID‑19 pandemic in partnership with CommunityHealth, treated 481 patients last year, including more than 200 new patients. The pantry, which before the pandemic helped about 50 families each week, now reaches between 350 and 400 families.
“The CARES model is all about having all of our collaborators together in one space,” said Emilio Araujo, director of development and communications. “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.”
Convenient access for working families
Mary Harrington, director of community health initiatives, emphasized that co‑locating services reduces travel barriers for families juggling multiple jobs. “Any commute or anything like that, it’s just more of a barrier,” she explained.
The CARES Corner Store will resemble a traditional grocery store, complete with shopping carts and a checkout lane, while a curtain divider allows the space to expand for larger events. The rooftop garden on the top floor will supply fresh produce for the store, reinforcing the center’s focus on nutrition and self‑sufficiency.
Community gathering space
Beyond essential services, the center’s 200‑person community room will host senior bingo, mental‑health workshops, town‑hall meetings and movie nights, fostering neighborhood connection. Harrington added, “We really want this to be the community’s house.”
Onward House currently operates three storefront locations along Diversey Avenue, offering an early‑childhood education center, a free clinic, adult‑education classes and the Illinois Welcoming Center. The new CARES Center will consolidate these offerings under one roof, providing a more efficient and welcoming environment for Belmont Cragin residents.
How to support
Donations to complete the CARES Center can be made through Onward House’s website. Community members are encouraged to attend the Dec. 7 open house to learn more about the services and volunteer opportunities.
Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.
