Join us for HOW's Virtual Luncheon |
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Every month, thousands of Illinoisans hold their breath waiting to learn if the state's current eviction moratorium has been extended yet again. For some this extra time could offer the chance to come up with the outstanding rent past due, for others it means another month of decreased income and being one step closer to not paying their mortgages.
The economic downturn precipitated by COVID-19 has affected renters and owners alike on a catastrophic scale. However, while amplified by the pandemic, eviction is sadly embedded in the story of America intersecting with racial, economic, and housing inequity.
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Thank you to all those who participated on HOW's Day of Giving on August 25th. We were absolutely blown away by your desire to learn, your generosity, and your commitment to community. We exceeded our goal by raising $10,501.28 in contributions and in turn securing a match of $10,000 for a total of over $20,000 in one day!!
To all those who took time out of their schedules to participate in a group discussion, furthered their learning around the critical topic of eviction, shared HOW's Day of Giving with their networks, or made a donation--we are so grateful for your support.
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HOW serves over 600 children annually, many of whom are returning to "virtual" school this week. HOW is doing all it can to prepare these students and make sure they are ready to fully engage in remote learning. Many families however struggle to access virtual learning because of limited access to the internet and inadequate resources.
Help HOW students succeed by participating in our Back 2 Learning drive and visiting our Amazon wish list which will help supply students with at-home learning essentials. As a part of the drive we are also accepting donations of gently used laptops and tablets, asking folks to write encouraging notes for students, and more. You can learn about all the ways to engage here.
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HOW 2019 Annual Report
In 2019, HOW served 1,336 clients across Chicagoland, offering housing and wraparound services. HOW’s extensive support and one-on-one assistance model ensure all clients are provided the individualized support they need to thrive. HOW's constant innovation across almost four decades has enabled the agency to offer more to our clients each passing year—more programming, more services, more resources, and more lives changed. With this year's annual report, we are able to share some of these stories of growth, and outline the organization's impact. We hope you enjoy.
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Staff Profile - Suless Burton-Francis
Suless has always used her energetic personality to make a difference in the lives of others. Before coming to HOW, she regularly organized fundraisers for children, singing and dancing for the community at the local Boys and Girls Club on Chicago's west side. The money raised was used to purchase school supplies and computers to help bridge the digital divide for students and help parents in their job searches. As a Case Manager at HOW, Suless continues to bring joy to those around her and provides individualized support, guidance, and resources to her clients. When asked about her favorite part of her role, she instantly zeroes in, "Watching the clients' lives come together - seeing the smiles and the confidence that says, 'I can do it on my own."'
As a Case Manager, she is known for her persistence and drive. Whether inheriting a client with a longstanding relationship with HOW, or building a new one from scratch, she knows that every person has their own story full of hurdles and triumphs. Personally, Suless is no stranger to tragedy and lost a son early in her tenure at HOW. "Losing a person you love is the most difficult thing in the world," she notes, "but I've learned that by sharing my story, people are able to share theirs too." During her two years at HOW, Suless has had a large impact on her clients and helped many achieve personal, and health goals. When she's not helping others through her work and in the community, Suless can be found living out her other passion, performing both on stage and the screen as an actress.
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Empowering individuals and families to break the cycle of poverty and homelessness. |
Since 1983, HOW has been a leader in permanent solutions to homelessness. Through prevention strategies; expanded, affordable, supportive housing; and individualized support services we have helped thousands take back their lives. |
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HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES FOR WOMEN
1607 W Howard St. - Third Floor - Chicago, IL 60626
773-465-5770 | www.how-inc.org
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