Department of Human Services to close remaining Family Community Resource Centers

The Department of Human Services will temporarily close all of its Family Community Resources Centers on Thursday.

The decision to close the 11 facilities that remained open during the COVID-19 pandemic is due to in-person visits “plummeting” as residents follow the state’s stay-at-home order. Services at the centers, which help connect individuals and families to nutrition and medical supports, will be provided through an expanded telephone and online presence, the agency said in a statement.

“This is not a decision we make lightly,” department Secretary Grace Hou said. “However, we have to balance the urgent needs of residents facing hunger and poverty with extremely serious public health directives. Even as many (department) offices close, our state’s safety net remains available.”

The department announced last month that it would temporarily close 61 of the 75 centers throughout the state. Centers in Rockford, Chicago and Melrose Park have since closed due to employees testing positive for COVID-19.

The plan combines the necessary steps to protect employees’ health and safety while ensuring those who need help are still able to receive it, said John Bouman, president of the Shriver Center.

“(The department’s) plan for how to address all of these factors appears to strike the right balance,” he said. “We will, of course, continue to monitor the situation closely and contribute to any needed improvements. We commend (the department) for this decisive, but also careful and balanced approach.”

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