Reopening Date Of Together We Cope Still Uncertain, Staff Says

TINLEY PARK, IL — The reopening of a beloved and essential Tinley Park social services agency continues to be delayed, staff said, as the nonprofit works to repair extensive damage from a fire in November 2022.

Together We Cope's main building at 17010 S. Oak Park Avenue in Tinley Park remains closed while repairs continue after the fire shut down its client services office, food pantry and Nu2u resale shop. A representative told Patch that they are uncertain of when it will reopen, citing a series of construction setbacks, including a change of contractors midway through the process.

"We're making some significant physical changes to the building that are setting us further back," said Marge Seltzner, director of communications for the agency.

In January, the agency had been eyeing an April opening. Seltzner said the nonprofit had been dealt $100,000 in losses not covered by insurance. Sen. Mike Hastings (D-Frankfort) in February came forward with assistance, securing a $250,000 grant for the agency. Those funds have not yet come through, Seltzner told Patch. Reopening might not happen until July, she added.

The nonprofit is working from its administration building temporarily, to meet the needs of clients beyond food and clothing issues. With over 200 volunteers, community donations of food, clothing and household goods, and groceries purchased from the Greater Chicago Food Depository, the agency typically serves more than 1,500 families each month. Their services reach 27 communities, including Alsip, Blue Island, Bridgeview, Chicago Ridge, Country Club Hills, Crestwood, Evergreen Park, Garden Homes, Harvey, Hazel Crest, Hickory Hills, Hometown, Homewood, Markham, Merrionette Park, Midlothian, Oak Forest, Oak Lawn, Orland Hills, Orland Park, Palos Heights, Palos Hills, Palos Park, Posen, Robbins, Tinley Park and Worth.

Without their main space, the agency is unable to accept most of its usual items: no food, clothing, or furniture donations can be accepted at the main building while repairs are being made. The agency can accept personal care items for families in need. Donations of diapers and baby food, specifically, are welcome. Donors can call 708-633-5040 to arrange for delivery of such items to their administration building.

Anyone needing food assistance while Together We Cope's food pantry is unavailable can go to the Greater Chicago Food Depository website www.chicagosfoodbank.org and click on the “Find Food” button to find a food pantry near them.

Donors are encouraged to keep their like-new or gently-used clothing and housewares for an eventual resale shop opening.

Together We Cope is still accepting monetary donations via its website.