Howard & Evanston Community Center: Programs & Services

03 May, 2025

Can a community center truly be a catalyst for transformation, fostering independence and illuminating the path towards a brighter future? The Howard and Evanston Community Center, now part of Metropolitan Family Services, stands as a testament to the unwavering power of community, providing a diverse range of services designed to empower individuals and uplift the neighborhoods of Rogers Park and Evanston.

As of July 1, 2023, the Howard Area Community Center has entered a new chapter, solidifying its commitment to the community. This evolution, marked by a new affiliation with Metropolitan Family Services and a refined identity, underscores the deep-rooted connections with Evanston residents and the ambitious plans to extend its impactful services. The center's legacy, built upon a foundation of compassionate care and proactive support, continues to evolve, promising even greater opportunities for those seeking a helping hand and a pathway toward self-sufficiency.

The Howard & Evanston Community Center, in its dedication to serving the greater Rogers Park area and Evanston, operates on the principle that everyone deserves access to vital resources. Its programs, offered both affordably and, in many cases, entirely free of charge, encompass a wide spectrum of needs, including education, employment assistance, and healthcare support. This multifaceted approach reflects a deep understanding of the challenges faced by community members and a commitment to addressing them holistically. In essence, the center serves as a vital hub, connecting individuals with the tools and resources they need to thrive, breaking down barriers, and forging pathways to a brighter future.

The organization's roots trace back to 1967 when it was established as a food pantry. This humble beginning reflects the center's unwavering commitment to addressing immediate needs. The Howard & Evanston (HECC) has blossomed into a multifaceted agency, offering a comprehensive suite of programs, spanning early learning, youth development, reentry support for those re-integrating into society after incarceration, and comprehensive employment assistance. This expansion shows the center's growth and adaptation to meet the evolving needs of the community.

The agency has a clear mission to address the needs of the local community, and volunteers are an essential part of the heart and soul of the howard and evanston community center. This commitment is further demonstrated through its partnership with various organizations and community stakeholders.

The Employment and Resource Center, a key component of the Howard and Evanston Community Center, provides vital services for adults seeking to improve their employment prospects. Here, individuals can find support and guidance to prepare for and secure meaningful employment. This includes resources such as resume workshops, interview skills training, and job search assistance, equipping participants with the skills and confidence needed to navigate the competitive job market.

The Howard Area's adult education program is another vital component of the center's mission. This initiative assists adult learners in honing their skills across a diverse range of subjects, empowering them to achieve their educational and professional goals. Participants have access to dedicated instructors and a supportive learning environment, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.

The Howard & Evanston Community Center provides affordable and free education, employment, and health assistance programs for the greater Rogers Park area and Evanston. The center's commitment to inclusivity is evident in its services.

The center provides a safe and supportive environment where adults can gain the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the 21st-century workforce and beyond. The adult education program at HECC works with adult learners in improving their reading, writing, mathematics, English language acquisition, and other crucial skills.

Volunteer tutors at Howard Area Community Center serve adults who are learning English, working towards their GED, building digital literacy skills and preparing for their citizenship test.

The Howard Area Community Center also hosts a Head Start program, a crucial initiative that provides comprehensive early childhood education and support services to low-income families and their children. By fostering a nurturing and stimulating environment, Head Start lays the foundation for children's future academic success and overall well-being. The program's details, hours, and specific offerings are readily available to interested families.

The centers location at 7648 North Paulina Street in Chicago, IL, also houses a main center.

The Howard Area Community Center is dedicated to providing emergency intervention, helping families stabilize, and encouraging developmental growth. This includes helping families facing financial hardship, providing access to food and clothing, and connecting them with other resources. The center's comprehensive approach addresses the immediate needs of families and supports their long-term well-being.

The center serves zip codes 60626, 60645, 60660, and 60202, with an open-door policy for anyone in need, regardless of their zip code, ensuring no one is denied access to food assistance.

To access food assistance, individuals can bring ID or another form of proof of address. However, the center welcomes anyone in need.

HACC offers low to intermediate literacy classes, focusing on reading and pronunciation, as well as active participation in class and learning across cultures.

The Howard area community center (HACC) was established in 1967 in Chicagos Rogers Park neighborhood as an outreach initiative of st.

Its primary mission was to provide for the emergency needs of local residents by serving as a distribution center for food and clothing.

Feature	Details
Name	Howard & Evanston Community Center (formerly Howard Area Community Center)
Location	7648 N Paulina St, Chicago, IL 60626 (Main Center); 1623 West Howard St (Additional address)
Mission	Empowering individuals, enabling their independence, and offering a better chance for a brighter tomorrow; providing affordable and free education, employment, and health assistance.
Services Offered	Food pantry, Early learning, Youth development, Re-entry programs, Employment assistance, Adult education (literacy, GED preparation, English language acquisition), Head Start program, Emergency intervention, Family stabilization services.
Target Area	Greater Rogers Park area and Evanston, with services available regardless of zip code.
History	Established in 1967 as a food pantry, expanded services over time to meet community needs. Now part of Metropolitan Family Services.
Key Programs	Head Start, Employment and Resource Center, Adult Education Program.
Partnership	Part of Metropolitan Family Services
Address Proof	ID or another form of proof of address is required for food pantry access.

The Howard and Evanston Community Center (HECC) is a beacon of hope in the heart of Rogers Park and Evanston, Illinois. As a part of the Metropolitan Family Services, HECC continues to provide a range of vital services that address the multifaceted needs of the community, including education, employment, and health assistance. The center's commitment to inclusivity is evident in its services, which are accessible to all, regardless of their zip code. The center's mission is to empower individuals, enabling their independence and offering a better chance for a brighter tomorrow. Founded in 1967, HECC has evolved from a food pantry into a comprehensive support system, encompassing early learning, youth development, and employment support. The staff and volunteers, who are the backbone of this organization, are passionate about providing a supportive environment where all can thrive. HECC's work is not just about providing services but fostering a sense of belonging and community. To learn more and find out about how you can help, visit the center at 7648 N. Paulina St, Chicago, IL, or search for "Howard Area Community Center" online.

Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce Walk with Howard Area Community Center

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Howard Area Community Center (HACC) Careers InHerSight

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