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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.

charles client
In the summer of 2023, Charles found himself with nowhere to go. After leaving a long-term relationship, he struggled to...
harry client
In 2012, Harry’s life changed when his mother suffered a massive stroke. She needed constant care and called him...
Selena HF client
In the summer of 2024, Selena— a single mother of two— found herself facing a series of unexpected challenges. After she...
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...