To Our Beloved Community,
We, at Third Root Community Health Center, the oldest collectively owned Holistic Health Center in NYC, are sharing the disheartening news that we will be closing our location and dissolving our business at the end of this year.
After 13 years of offering healing services to the local Flatbush community and those most impacted by systemic inequality, Third Root lost its lease. The current business cannot shoulder relocation costs on top of existing financial losses. Our last day of operation will be Dec 19, 2021.
Like many small businesses, moving through the pandemic has meant decreased capacity and greatly diminished revenue. It has also been an opportunity to pair down operating expenses and build a leaner and more effective model, which afforded us a successful re-opening despite great challenges. While working to streamline our business model in a rapidly-changing environment, we were continually confronted by how capitalism does not prioritize wellness for black, brown, queer, trans, dis/abled, formerly incarcerated, and working class people.
During this critical moment when our services are most needed, it is heartbreaking to no longer continue to serve the needs of our community. But due to significant financial losses, and the restrictions on government assistance, we have no choice but to close.
We have an incredible staff of BIPOC and allies, queer & trans folks, dis/abled, elder, and intergenerational Brooklyn practitioners who will continue to practice until mid-December, and who we will support to flourish in their next endeavors. You will be able to access our Team Page for how to stay in touch with your beloved practitioners.
We salute our neighboring businesses that are also struggling and facing closure (RIP Cinco de Mayo). We ask you to support local businesses like Sacred Vibes and MINKA Brooklyn so they may continue to thrive. We will have a full referral list and directory available on our website of aligned healing spaces before we close, so our community continues to be connected to the care it deserves.
We plan to hold a community Altar space Saturday October 23, and a virtual and in person celebration Saturday December 4 to commemorate the powerful healing space we’ve created together
We end this chapter with our sincerest gratitude and love for our community, knowing that without you, Third Root would not have lasted for 13 years. We thank the thousands of people who entrusted us with their care and we share our strongest desire for true Healing Justice to continue.