Tinley Social Services Agency In Final Steps To Re-Opening After Fire

TINLEY PARK, IL — The reopening of a beloved and essential Tinley Park social services agency is edging closer, with workers putting the finishing touches on the renovated space.

Together We Cope's main building at 17010 S. Oak Park Avenue in Tinley Park remains closed while repairs continue after a November 2022 fire shut down its client services office, food pantry and Nu2u resale shop. Hurdles have pushed the reopening several times, with the latest hopeful date having been the end of September, but officials now say they're eyeing the finish line and planning for a November reopening.

Final work being done includes some upgrades to plumbing, electrical and office spaces. In August, workers closed up the agency's original entrance, then converting into a window, and creating a new entrance. Work was completed on new dressing rooms in the resale shop, and some improved efficiencies in the food pantry.

Staff hopes the food pantry will reopen shortly after the resale shop, said Marge Seltzner, director of communications for the agency.

Delays in the reopening have been caused by a series of construction setbacks, including a change of contractors midway through the process. In January, the agency had been eyeing an April opening. Seltzner said in May the nonprofit had been dealt $100,000 in losses not covered by insurance.

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, and smaller donations of food. 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.

"Many supporters have brought diapers, wipes, baby food and formula, so we can take care of our littlest clients," Seltzner told Patch previously.

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. The agency has also set up a makeshift food pantry at its administrative offices, for emergency cases.

Donors are encouraged to keep their like-new or gently-used clothing and housewares for an eventual resale shop opening. Together We Cope is also still accepting monetary donations via its website.