A decades-old vacant building is now a vital neighborhood health hub

In low-income communities like Auburn Gresham on Chicago’s South Side, development and resources can be scarce.

Many people in this predominantly Black neighborhood—which has suffered from years of disinvestment—have to leave the area to receive medical care or buy healthy food. Without those basic services, residents face an uphill battle to create a stable neighborhood.

In 2016, the community published the Auburn Gresham quality-of-life plan to help turn things around. The plan is guided by three simple questions: What was Auburn Gresham in the past? What is it today? What could it be tomorrow? The report called for a range of amenities, such as coffee shops and fresh-produce markets, as well as a new health hub. Carlos Nelson, CEO of the Greater Auburn Gresham Development Corporation (GAGDC), helped bring that hub to life.

Nearly 20,000 residents treated

In October 2022, the Auburn Gresham Healthy Lifestyle Hub (HLH) opened in an old furniture store that sat empty for decades. The hub represents a new beginning for both the neighborhood and the organization that Nelson has spent his life building.

Once a one-man operation, GAGDC has grown into a comprehensive community development organization that now employs nearly 50 people. It helps revitalize low- to moderate-income neighborhoods by focusing on health, housing, education, youth development and senior services.

The hub houses medical facilities, a mentoring program, a college satellite office, a digital media center, a community room and a teaching kitchen—plus plenty of open space for residents to convene. In its first year the hub served nearly 20,000 people and created nearly 150 jobs.

JPMorganChase’s role

The project was made possible, in part, by a 2021 equity investment from JPMorgan Chase to support $14.5 million in New Markets Tax Credit financing. The New Markets Tax Credit program helps economically distressed communities attract private capital by providing investors with a federal tax credit. It’s an example of the kind of strategic initiatives JPMorganChase supports to create stronger and more inclusive communities.

Nelson first engaged JPMorganChase through a leadership workshop hosted by Prosperity Now, an organization focused on creating a more equitable economy.

Since connecting with JPMorganChase, Nelson says the firm has made him a better leader. Through its work with Prosperity Now, JPMorganChase has provided Nelson and GAGDC with networking and fundraising opportunities. And he says the bank has been instrumental in furthering GAGDC’s “bold vision and audacious aspirations.”

Why local economies matter

The HLH is a testament to the possibilities of public, private and philanthropic collaboration. In addition to JPMorganChase’s support, the HLH received a number of city grants and donations—including appliances and funds to create the teaching kitchen.

GAGDC has invested countless hours and dollars into stimulating the local economy because the group believes that, when people in the community win, Auburn Gresham wins. JPMorganChase’s commitment to community development is helping improve the quality of life throughout Chicago—including in Englewood, where the bank is investing in visionary entrepreneurs.

See how JPMorganChase is helping to make an impact across Chicago.

JPMorganChase & Co and its affiliates are not responsible for, nor provide or endorse third party products, services or other content.

A version of this story originally appeared in Atlantic Re:think, a creative marketing studio.