Hull House Charity Closing Earlier Than Expected

Hull House board chairman says the agency can't afford to stay open past January.

A week after announcing it would end its 120-year run this spring, the Jane Addams Hull House Association will close on Friday instead.

Hull House board chairman Stephen Saunders told the Chicago Tribune the social service agency can't afford to stay open beyond January and will likely file for bankruptcy at the end of the week.

The agency has provided youth services, foster care, homeless services and workforce development for Chicago area families since 1889. It's named for Nobel Prize winner Jane Addams, who founded the agency to help new immigrants in the city.

Last week Saunders issued a statement acknowledging the current economy, increasing demand for services and diminishing funds have forced the closure despite efforts to reduce operating costs.

"During these challenging times, we have remained committed to the mission established by Jane Addams more than 120 years ago," said Saunders. "Now, our goal is to ensure the families and individuals we serve continue to have access to the services they need," he added.

Saunders told the Tribune its clients will be referred to other agencies, and the agency is working to identify new providers to pick up services gone after Friday. The agency employs 300 workers, who will be out of a job this week.

The Hull House agency's bankruptcy will not affect the University of Illinois at Chicago's Jane Addams Hull-House Museum, at 800 S. Halsted St., which will remain open. 

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