Chicago Authorities received a call for help from a mental health facility in Dixmoor, which resulted in an evacuation after police found disabled patients living in deplorable conditions Friday.
The unlicensed facility at the 141st Street and South Leavitt Avenue was immediately shut down after complaints of a lack of hot water and a massive infestation of bed bugs ensued.
Thirty individuals were transported from the residential facility to area hospitals.
Although officials said there were no clear answers as to who was ultimately responsible for the horrendous conditions at the facility, it is clear that to clients the place is known as “Mother’s House.” It is also known that utility bills were going to a company known as Value Care Centers.
“As this investigation goes on we’re just determined that more and more people were involved,” said Police Chief Ron Burge at a news conference Tuesday.
Police said there could be potential criminal charges for some individuals who may be linked to the so-called “Mother’s House."
According to Burge, police are investigating the involvement of half a dozen people including administrators, current and former-elected officials, and at least one police officer in the case.
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Donelia Pittman’s mother-in-law was being treated for substance abuse by “Mother’s House.”
“All of her clothes are gone, all of her belonging are gone,” Pittman said. “She has nothing and these people are nowhere to be found.”
Angie Britch said her 22-year-old son Bailey Pontius, who is autistic and has developmental disabilities, had been living at the facility since December and had notified her of the terrible living situation right away.
Britch said she called the chief and contacted the mayor about the conditions more than two months ago.
“I never heard back from anyone and we continued to get the run-around from the facility,” she said.
Chief Burge denied knowing about the conditions prior to last week. He said the investigation is ongoing and charges are expected to be filed. The Illinois Department of Public Health and The Department of Human Services said they are also looking into the facility's operations.
