2023 Annual Report

2023 was marked by extraordinary strides in advancing our mission to serve individuals and families experiencing housing instability. We’ve invested in lasting solutions to homelessness by strengthening partnerships, expanding health and housing programs, and laying the groundwork for necessary infrastructure that will serve our community for decades to come.

Recognizing the critical need for emergency shelter services, in January we partnered with St. Catherine of Siena-St. Lucy and St. Giles Parish to open a new fixed-site emergency shelter location. The program is like the PADS emergency shelter Housing Forward operated with area congregations and community volunteers for 28 years, offering a nightly place to eat, sleep, and shower throughout the year. The current emergency shelter can accommodate up to 20 individuals with separate sleeping areas for men, women, and families.

In April we broke ground on Broadview Legacy Apartments, our first fixed-site permanent supportive housing development. This new facility will be home for 16 households leaving homelessness, with dedicated units for veterans, transition-aged youth, and families. Tenants will receive rental subsidies, on-site case management, and supportive services.

In November we finalized our purchase of the former Write Inn Hotel with funding from Cook County. After leasing the property since September 2020, we will be converting the 65-room hotel into a permanent home for our Interim Housing and RISE Center Medical Respite Programs. We are extremely proud that this new model has proven so successful, with 89 percent of people leaving our Interim Housing Program moving to a positive destination.

We are only able to do this work with the unwavering commitment of Housing Forward’s dedicated strategic partners and community stakeholders, incredible volunteers, and generous donors. You have been instrumental in ensuring the most vulnerable community members receive vital services. We are extremely grateful for your support!

Read the full report by clicking this link or you can find it in the IMPACT section of our website.