From vision to reality; Housing Forward celebrates opening of new Permanent Supportive Housing development.

Housing Forward, a nonprofit working to end homelessness, is proud to announce the opening of our new Permanent Supportive Housing development, Broadview Legacy Apartments. This residential building, located at 1020 Roosevelt Rd., offers 16 apartments tailored to individuals and families exiting homelessness, including dedicated accommodations for veterans, transition-age youth, and families. The three-story building has 12 one-bedroom units and 4 two-bedroom units for families, with additional communal spaces and dedicated Housing Forward office space. 

The $7.8 million project was funded through a mix of state, federal, and private funding from the Illinois Housing Development Authority, Cook County Department of Planning, and the West Cook Coalition - Illinois Healthcare Transformation Collaborative. A collaboration with design partner Perkins&Will and general contractor Bulley & Andrews, the new building embodies Housing Forward’s commitment to providing dignified spaces for those in need. 

“We're delighted to greet the newest members of Broadview Legacy Apartments," Mayor Katrina Thompson of the Village of Broadview shares. "As champions of inclusivity, this building represents more than just Broadview; it serves as a model for other communities, ensuring that everyone has a place to belong.” 

Permanent Supportive Housing helps people who have a history of homelessness, long-term physical and mental disabilities, or serious health conditions find stability and independence. This program combines permanent affordable housing with flexible, voluntary support services to assist with housing retention. Housing Forward has been providing Permanent Supportive Housing since 2006. Last year, 330 individuals were supported in Housing Forward’s Permanent Supportive Housing program in apartments throughout west suburban Cook County.  

Broadview Legacy Apartments will offer onsite support services that will help residents transition from housing crisis to stability. These support services are designed to build independent living and tenancy skills and connect people with community-based health care, treatment, and employment services. Housing Forward is partnering with Youth Outreach Services and Ascension to provide services that address individual needs and help each person achieve their goals. The nonprofit is also partnering with the West Cook Coalition - Illinois Healthcare Transformation Collaborative, which is a collaboration between twenty-two different partner organizations to address the wholistic health needs of vulnerable households in western Cook County. 

The development was financed through an award from IHDA’s Permanent Supportive Housing Development Program. IHDA will also provide ongoing rental assistance for 14 of the building’s 16 units.  The Housing Authority of Cook County will support two units dedicated for veterans. 

“Housing is a basic human right, and we are committed to making the investments needed to support those struggling with homelessness and housing insecurity,” says IHDA Executive Director Kristin Faust.  “This development brings urgently needed supportive housing to suburban Cook County and is a testament to the partnerships between government agencies, service providers, advocates, and others who are working together to collectively end homelessness in our state.”   

"Taking action on homelessness isn't solely a moral duty; it stands as a symbol of our unwavering dedication to social justice and progress. As stewards of progress, we must acknowledge the urgent call for increased support in affordable housing endeavors such as Permanent Supportive Housing," said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. "Through collaborative efforts, we can pool our resources, driving forward holistic approaches and create opportunities for everyone in our community.” 

Housing Forward was founded in 1992 by a group of congregations and community members to provide emergency shelter services for those experiencing homelessness. Today, Housing Forward offers support from the onset of a financial or housing crisis to its permanent resolution. The organization prevents homelessness whenever possible, responds to housing crises, and stabilizes residents facing homelessness with permanent housing. 

“Completing this project and welcoming 22 residents into their new home is a huge milestone for Housing Forward and for the community of Broadview,” says Housing Forward CEO Lynda Schueler. “We are thankful to Mayor Thompson and the community for recognizing the value of investing in Permanent Supportive Housing – this building is a pathway to end homelessness for individuals facing long-term disabling conditions.” 

Ending homelessness has been Housing Forward’s ambitious vision for more than 30 years. This is only achievable with partners, supporters, and volunteers who join us to serve everyone experiencing homelessness in our community, regardless of the reason.  We thank our funding partners for their support of this project; Illinois Housing Development Authority, Cook County Department of Planning, Housing Authority of Cook County, U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (Healthcare Transformation Collaborative program), Senator Kimberly Lightford, BMO, ComEd, JCUA, FHL Bank Chicago, Westlake Health Foundation, The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, Montgomery Ward Foundation, Community Memorial Foundation, Wheaton Franciscan Sisters and the FDC Foundation.