Out of the Closet, the nonprofit thrift store chain operated by Los Angeles-based AIDS Healthcare Foundation, has opened a new location in Hyde Park aimed at expanding HIV/AIDS services on Chicago’s South Side.
The store, located at 1709 E. 53rd St. inside the historic Del Prado building, held its grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Jan. 31. It is the second Out of the Closet shop in Chicago, following the Northalsted store that opened in 2019.
Out of the Closet stores sell donated clothing, furniture and home goods, with the vast majority of proceeds funding HIV/AIDS prevention, testing and treatment programs funded by AIDS Healthcare Foundation.
The Hyde Park site will also offer confidential, free HIV testing in a stigma-free environment.
According to the organization, the expansion responds to ongoing HIV disparities in Chicago, where nearly 20,000 people are living with HIV.
Local elected officials joined AIDS Healthcare Foundation leadership and community partners at the opening, which the organization said reflects continued investment in South Side access to HIV care and prevention services.
