About the Center
The Charles A. Hayes Family Investment Center, named for Chicago’s late Congressman Charles A. Hayes of Illinois’ First Congressional District, is supported through CHA’s collaborative efforts. The center is owned and operated by the Chicago Housing Authority.
The center was once home to the United Packinghouse Workers of America (UPWA) as a union hall, formerly Bacon’s Casino, and also once known as Old Times Square. During the period when social and economic injustices were ever so present, the center stood as a place to unite and advocate for change. From causes like ending job discrimination, shortening the work week and strengthening the farm labor alliance, to name a few.
Charles Arthur Hayes played a major role as a union man from gathering support to raising funds to assist with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to encourage the voter registration drive. He alongside greats like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Jesse Jackson protested for causes centered around the civil rights movement. He is known for being a prolific union leader but also for being the first trade unionist elected to Congress. His legacy lives on and murals depicting his journey are noted around the center.
The Chicago Housing Authority purchased the center in the 90’s essentially to have a one-stop shop to provide public housing residents with resources aligned with their needs such as access to healthcare, job training, computer training and more. On an annual basis, over 30,000 guests participate in meetings, trainings or private events at the center. The Hayes Center is most known for the event space, available resources and technology opportunities.
- Event space for galas, training sessions, private meetings, wedding receptions and etc.
- Family support and early childhood education services
- Several offices and spacious meeting rooms
- Secure off-street parking facilities
- Computer training
When public housing residents access the services and programs offered through the Chicago Housing Authority Charles A. Hayes Family Investment Center’s partnering agencies, it helps to strengthen public housing residents’ capacity for economic self-sufficiency and adds to community stabilization.
Bronzeville’s Charles A. Hayes Family Investment Center is a hidden gem to some but for many, it has been a valuable entity to the community for decades. The staff prides itself on keeping the center sparkling and modern.
Come be a part of the exciting changes taking place and visit the Charles A. Hayes Family Investment Center today!
