A Tradition of Caring

Covenant Retirement Communities and United Methodist Homes & Services share similar histories of caring and compassion, making the 2006 affiliation between the two not-for-profit organizations a natural decision.

History of Covenant Retirement Communities

In 1886, when Chicago was teeming with European refugees seeking shelter and employment, the fledgling Swedish Covenant Church established the Home of Mercy in Chicago to care for the elderly, orphans and invalids. The Home of Mercy continued its service through the 19th century, when the immediate needs of the seriously ill necessitated the creation of a hospital. Consequently, Delano Hall was opened in 1903, which was later renamed Swedish Covenant Hospital. With the establishment of the hospital, the Home of Mercy expanded its capacity to care for long-term residents. In 1928, the Home of Mercy was rebuilt and renamed Covenant Home. It was rebuilt again in 1997, continuing an unbroken heritage of service that began in 1886.

History of United Methodist Homes & Services

United Methodist Homes & Services began in 1896 when Mrs. E.E. Hartwell decided to assist older adults in meeting their housing and health care needs. Driven by her desire to help, Mrs. Hartwell rented a six-room flat in Chicago to provide housing for six elderly women. To further her mission, she received a generous gift from the Methodist Episcopal Church and a local philanthropist named William H. Bush, enabling her to build the precursor to today’s Methodist Home. In 1898, the organization known today as United Methodist Homes & Services was incorporated.