WEST TOWN — The oldest settlement house still operating in Chicago, the Erie Neighborhood House, will celebrate its 150th birthday this Saturday.
Founded in 1870, the Erie Neighborhood House at 1347 W. Erie St. began as the “little Dutch church” in West Town, focusing its efforts on helping the area’s immigrants.
“As the city and community changed over a century and a half, so did we; from a church serving our neighbors to a settlement house delivering wraparound services to immigrants and individuals from all backgrounds to help them thrive and build proud, powerful communities across the city,” the group said. “A home with no borders, this is our constant.”
The nonprofit currently exists as a human services agency, providing Chicago’s immigrant communities with services related to housing, literacy, health and wellness and other issues.
On Saturday, the 1300 block of Erie Street will be renamed “Honorary Erie Neighborhood House Way in a 12 p.m. ceremony. A block party on Erie between Ada and Noble will end at 4 p.m. Both events are free to the public.
The group operates the house on Erie Street as well as its Erie Neighborhood House Center at 1701 W. Superior St. It also offers programs in Little Village at 4225 W. 25th St., and in Humboldt Park at 1313 N. Claremont Ave.
View a full list of programs provided by Erie House here. Learn more about the history of the Erie House here.
Here are some photos from Erie House’s 150 years.
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