Claretian Associates Collaborates with National and Community Partners to Save the South Chicago YMCA

In fall of 2017, rumors were beginning to spread that the local YMCA was closing in South Chicago. Countless discussions of uncertainty filled the halls as seniors at the old dilapidated building wondered “Why was the YMCA shutting down?” “What does that mean for me?” “Where am I going to find a place to stay?”

Questions like these not only swirled the 101 apartments within the building but they spilled onto the streets of South Chicago causing panic among the countless families who looked to the YMCA as a neighborhood resource and a place to create memories with their children. On October of 2017, this sudden disinvestment dealt a heavy blow to South Chicago, and its most vulnerable residents were dragged into a state of panic.

That is, until Claretian Associates stepped in with a strategic plan. We began searching for, and eventually found, a partner to assist in purchasing the building and preserving the 101 units of senior housing. With our deep ties to grassroots coalitions such as the Concerned Citizens to Keep the South Chicago YMCA and expertise as a local housing expert, we convinced YMCA to accept our joint bid with POAH (Preservation of Affordable Housing) and not only preserve these units (saving over 100 seniors from becoming homeless) but to also fortify the health of these seniors through the incorporation of a new community health center, called the Salud Center! This is a testament to the fact that when hit hard with circumstances, South Chicagoans, like the staff here at Claretian Associates, do not give up. We Listen. We Speak. We Plan. We Act. And with supporters like you, We THRIVE!

This Holiday season, we invite you to thrive with us by making a tax-deductible contribution of $25, $50, or $100 to make sure that no family or senior is without an affordable place to call home this Holiday season.
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