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Each year, we assist thousands of individuals and families who come to us from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences. Their stories illustrate the complexity of housing crisis and homelessness, and how delivering solution-focused personalized support services ensures vulnerable community members thrive.

There is no one "face" or one cause of homelessness. The people we assist are a diverse group of individuals and families who have one thing in common: they have experienced a catastrophic housing or financial crisis. Often, that crisis is precipitated and/or complicated by a physical disability, chronic health condition, or behavioral health disorder, conditions that are exacerbated by the lack of access to proper care and resources.

Here are a few of their stories.

A man stands outside with his hands behind his back.
On September 21, 2021, Emanuel’s life was changed forever when he was shot 11 times while standing on the street. His...
Misty C sits in front of red tile
After an extensive stay at Loyola University Medical Center, Misty began her journey with Housing Forward. Misty was 29...
Craig O sits outside on a park bench
Craig left his hometown in southern Illinois to move to Chicago. Building a new life in the city proved to be difficult...
Laquanda
Laquanda was four months pregnant with her first child when she and her boyfriend broke up. At the time, she was living...
Milo
Five years ago, Milo’s life to a sharp turn through a series of misfortunes. The friend that had housed him temporarily...