Investing in Community.
Building Resilience.
Westside Health Authority (WHA) is a nonprofit community development organization that has served Chicago's Austin neighborhood for over 30 years. WHA began as a group of volunteers organizing for change in Austin and has since grown into an organization with programs spanning five key service areas: Community Wellness, Reentry and Adult Services, Workforce Development, Youth Innovation Center, and Economic Development. A key component of the Economic Development Department is managing programs and services for designated Special Service Areas—commercial and residential corridors tasked with promoting vibrancy and supporting business sustainability along some of Austin's busiest streets.
100MM
invested in job creation, home ownership, employment, environment, and people
1786
engaged volunteers as "Good Neighbors" sharing resources and providing wellness checks for residents feeling isolated
22000
residents served as a result of key relationships contributing to the larger impact for the community
We have seen many changes on the West Side, but the most important has been the relationships we’ve built with the people who live here. Relationships are key to improving health and wellness—they are the cornerstone of our work.
Empowering Austin’s future with community-led change and over three decades of trusted service.
From building 100 homes to workforce development to providing healthier more accessible food within Austin, the mission is to allow the Austin business corridors to thrive — WHA works hand-in-hand with residents to build a stronger, more vibrant Austin.