In tracing the milestones that have defined AHF’s thrift store chain, the 2019 opening of Out of the Closet in Chicago’s Lakeview/Boystown neighborhood remains a landmark moment. It not only marked the brand’s arrival in the Midwest but also expanded the reach of its unique model — combining affordable thrift shopping with accessible, community-based healthcare — into one of the nation’s most vibrant and historic LGBTQ+ neighborhoods.
In February 2019, AHF officially opened the doors to its first OTC location in Chicago. The event was more than just a ribbon-cutting — it marked the introduction of AHF’s signature model of combining resale retail with free, onsite HIV testing and healthcare services. Shoppers browsing racks of clothing and shelves of books were just steps away from confidential, rapid testing and access to AHF’s pharmacy support.
The Lakeview store was designed to be both a neighborhood thrift shop and a community health resource. Like all OTC locations, it directed 96 cents of every dollar earned back into HIV/AIDS care and prevention. At the same time, its integrated health services reduced barriers to testing and treatment by meeting people where they already live and gather.
Soon after opening, the Chicago OTC became an active part of the local community. The store participated in citywide events, engaged with local advocacy groups, and provided a safe, stigma-free space for residents to access essential health resources. Its dual role as both a retail hub and a healthcare site helped normalize conversations about HIV while expanding access to testing in the heart of Lakeview.
Looking back at the February 2019 launch, the Lakeview Out of the Closet represents an important chapter in AHF’s history. It demonstrated how the model first envisioned in 1990 could adapt and thrive in new cities, continuing to blend commerce, care, and community impact.
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