Our Story

Healthy Hood Chicago is a grassroots community health organization established in 2017 to combat the 20-year life expectancy gap that disproportionately affects African American and Latino communities in Chicago. Rooted in the belief that health is a fundamental right, we employ an innovative, community-centered approach to wellness, integrating direct services, education, civic engagement, and the arts to drive systemic change.

Our “We Got Us” Community Response Initiative serves as a model for collective healing, providing free and low-cost access to healthcare navigation, public health education, and resource distribution. Through a network of trained Community Health Workers (CHWs), student health ambassadors, and grassroots organizers, we ensure that those most affected by systemic disinvestment are equipped with the tools to advocate for their own well-being and the health of their communities.

At the heart of our mission is a commitment to youth empowerment. Our internship and leadership development programs equip young people from historically divested neighborhoods with the skills and experience to pursue careers in public health, grassroots organizing, and the arts. By fostering a new generation of community-driven health advocates, community leaders, and artists, we are creating a sustainable movement that addresses the intersection of physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

Mission

At Healthy Hood Chicago, our mission is to foster transformative healing and empower communities to thrive. Through innovative programming grounded in restorative practices and radical healing, we confront systemic injustices, address health disparities,  engage in powerful arts programming,and nurture collective resilience. Guided by a commitment to equity, solidarity, and community empowerment, we strive to create a world where every individual has the opportunity to lead a healthy, empowered, and fulfilling life. 

Vision

Together, we envision a future where healing and resistance converge, paving the way for a more just and equitable society.