Ms. Jefferson was living “house to house and shelter to shelter” before she was able to qualify for Jeffery Towers. Finding the stability of affordable supportive housing has allowed her to re-engage in her profession as an in-home senior aide.

- “I love my apartment!”

Diane, a very active retiree, has found a place to call home in the Lakeview neighborhood at Ruth Shriman House. She has found more than just an apartment, but a true community within the walls of the apartment complex for seniors. Throughout its 18 years in operation, Ruth Shriman has provided Diane and many others the opportunities to attend monthly socials, bingo nights, movies, and clubs. Diane particularly remembers special holiday celebrations for those who could not be with other friends or family. Diane describes the people she has met at Ruth Shriman as her second family.

Mr. McAlpine suffers from COPD and was in recovery at Interfaith House before he was able to move in to Jeffery Towers. Mr. McAlpine said the most important benefits of living at Jeffery Towers were security, stability and immediate and regular access to on-site social services.

Ms. Jackson was one of the original families to move into Coppin House. She raised two children there and is now able to care for grandchildren including one she adopted. Ms. Jackson now works PT in the property management office helping other residents.

- “We love our unit and we love our building.”

Coralin was the second “Grand-Family” to move in to Independence House with four children and now two grandchildren, including Chloe. “Independence House gave my family the stability we needed for my kids to finish school. We are very grateful for Independence House.”

At the recommendation of a friend, Janet applied for an apartment at Clara’s Village. Little did she know she would acquire a home that served as a launching pad for the success for her children. After years living with her mother, Janet made the move from the west side of Chicago in 2008 to the recently finished Clara’s Village apartments. Though her children struggled with leaving their friends behind, Janet was determined to transform this new apartment into a home for her family. Through the help of Olive Branch Mission (social service provider), Janet’s children were able to acquire bus passes to their middle school and high schools in order to arrive at school safety each day.

Janet makes a point to appreciate the great opportunity this has afforded her family. Through hard work and the help of the Clara’s Village case managers, Janet, on her fourth try, was able to secure a public health waiver, an exemption from the State of Illinois law that prevents health care employers from hiring an individual who have spent time in the criminal justice system. She is now working in a job that she loves with aspirations of advancement. Janet encourages future residents to make home wherever they are and to take pride in having a key to an apartment that is all their own.

Jose fondly remembers innocent, youthful memories as a young person in Chicago. When Jose reached a breaking point in Los Angeles, after years of substance abuse and being apart from his family, he decided to begin again in Chicago. He describes the journey as tough and uncomfortable, starting fresh without a stable place to live or friends to visit. After several weeks spent in the hospital and a shelter to rehabilitate from past drug use, Jose was afforded the opportunity to live in Lake Street Studios. Jose acknowledges that he could not be where he is today without generous help from others.

The Boulevard (onsite social service provider), helped him develop the confidence to navigate the complex public transit system. This newfound freedom allowed him to find an eye doctor to fit him for new glasses, a clinician to remove tattoos, and a dentist to provide him with dentures. Now he enjoys fellowship with his neighbors, playing cards and dominos and visiting his mom in Logan Square. Jose encourages those who are struggling to seek the supportive environment of Lake Street Studios.

Carol is eternally grateful to Interfaith Management Services (property manager) and Facing Forward (onsite social service provider) for giving her a real home. After struggling with addiction for many years, Carol was seeking a place to live. Since arriving, she has become an active participant in the many activities at Sanctuary Place including the croquet club, the gardening club and game nights. She is proud to bring her children into her apartment to show it off. She finally has a stable home and a stable life.