New Out of the Closet Thrift Store Increases HIV/AIDS Services in Chicago’s Southside
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10:48 AM on Saturday, January 31
The Associated Press
CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan 31, 2026--
Out of the Closet Thrift Store (OTC), the nation’s largest nonprofit thrift store chain supporting HIV/AIDS healthcare and advocacy, announces the opening of its newest location in Hyde Park. The store will offer affordable, high-quality clothing, furniture, and home goods, with $0.96 of every dollar earned supporting lifesaving HIV/AIDS services provided by AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF). The OTC will also offer a non-judgmental, stigma-free, environment to receive confidential, free HIV testing.
Local elected officials and other dignitaries will join AHF leadership for a ribbon-cutting at 1:00pm, Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 1709 E 53rd St, Chicago, IL 60615
WHAT: | Ribbon Cutting for Out of the Closet Thrift Store |
WHEN: | Saturday, January 31, 2026 1:00pm CST |
WHERE: | Out of the Closet Thrift Store, 1709 E. 53 rd Street, Chicago, IL 60615 |
WHY: | According to AIDSvu.org, close to 20,000 people in Chicago were living with HIV and nearly half were Black individuals, despite Black residents making up a smaller share of the population. The new OTC Hyde Park location expands its mission to provide accessible thrift shopping while directly funding and providing HIV/AIDS testing, treatment, and prevention services. The opening also brings new jobs and a community-focused retail space to the neighborhood. |
WHO: | The Honorable Kam Buckner, State Representative, IL-District 26 |
The Honorable Jawaharial “Omar” Williams, State Representative, IL-District 10 | |
Staci Mullins, Midwest Regional Director, AHF | |
Jonathan Kruyer, General Manager, Out of the Closet Thrift Store | |
Other invited elected officials, civic and community leaders | |
The Hyde Park location is the second location in metro Chicago, with the first store opening |
The Hyde Park location is the second location in metro Chicago, with the first store opening February 2019, at its current location at 3311 N. Halsted Street, Chicago, IL 60657. Out of the Closet Stores are open Monday – Saturday, 10:00am – 7:00pm, Sunday 10:00am – 6:00pm.
AHF also provides healthcare and wellness services, at its locations located at: 2600 South Michigan Ave, Chicago; 3325 North Halsted Street, Chicago; 3311 North Halsted Street, Chicago and through the organizations local affiliate organizations: Southside Help Center, 10420 South Halsted Street, Chicago and CALOR, 3201 West North Avenue, Chicago.
Learn more about AHF at www.aidshealth.org
Out of the Closet Thrift Store:
Out of the Closet is a nonprofit thrift store chain operated by AIDS Healthcare Foundation. Since 1988, Out of the Closet has generated millions of dollars to support HIV/AIDS care, prevention, and advocacy services worldwide.
View source version on businesswire.com:https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260131692668/en/
CONTACT: Media Contact:
Imara Canady, National Director, Communications & Community Engagement, AHF
Cell: 770-940-6555/Email:[email protected]
KEYWORD: UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA ILLINOIS
INDUSTRY KEYWORD: DISCOUNT/VARIETY OTHER RETAIL LGBTQ+ SPECIALTY FASHION AIDS GENERAL HEALTH CONSUMER HEALTH RETAIL
SOURCE: Out of the Closet
Copyright Business Wire 2026.
PUB: 01/31/2026 10:48 AM/DISC: 01/31/2026 10:50 AM
http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260131692668/en
