Faith-based work in Chicago, Illinois

Participants of the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program at the New Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church, in West Garfield Park, Chicago, 2022
Courtesy of the Rush Community Health Equity & Engagement, Chicago, Illinois

Headquartered at the Rush University Medical Center on Chicago’s West Side, Rush Community Health Equity & Engagement (CHEE) collaborates with faith-based organizations as part of the Alive Faith Network. This community-academic partnership blends wisdom and faith with Rush’s scientific knowledge to improve the health and well-being of the African American community. Through the network, CHEE hosts and attends health and social care fairs and other events in Chicago communities such as Austin and Little Village. In addition, CHEE partners with Alive Faith network churches in offering Chronic Disease Self-Management Programs to help adults with chronic diseases learn how to manage and improve their health.

Circle Urban Ministries Social Care Fair hand-drawn poster, April 2022
Courtesy of the Rush Education and Career Hub, Chicago, Illinois

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Cook County in Illinois launched a guaranteed-income pilot program that offered participants $500 per month—no strings attached. The participants were required to have a household income at or below 250% of the federal poverty level, which was $33,975 or less for a single person. Evaluation of short-term pilot projects, such as this one, concluded that guaranteeing even $500 per month makes a difference, particularly on participants’ mental health.

Chicago participants were chosen from qualifying applicants through a lottery system. To assist applicants, Circle Urban Ministries organized a Social Care Fair with CHEE to help people fill out the application.