With the close of 2019, HOW wrapped up another successful year of growth and expansion for the organization.
In 2019 we:
- served 1,334 clients in Chicagoland, spanning across the city and into the south and north suburbs.
- worked with 593 children under the age of 18, providing educational advocacy and support, tutoring, a college-readiness mentoring program, and more.
- created 61 new units of housing - sixteen of which are affordable units in HOW's first new construction building in Evanston.
- served 624 households, providing supportive services, case management, housing, and tailored programming.
- expanded our health and employment programs to help clients better manage their health issues and find careers they love.
Thank you for being a member of the HOW community. It's your support that helped hundreds of families and individuals in 2019 to achieve their goals, whether that’s securing employment, going back to school, or simply having a roof over their heads.
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NEW Blog from HOW's CEO - Housing First
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There are many different models utilized by nonprofits and agencies that provide housing to those experiencing homelessness. HOW employs the Housing First model and has been a long-time advocate of this approach due to its proven efficacy and human-centered design. In her first blog post of 2020, HOW's CEO, Britt Shawver, defines Housing First and explains why HOW has remained committed to this approach for almost four decades.
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February is Black History Month, a time for individuals and organizations around the country to celebrate the achievements of African Americans and their central role in the nation's history. While celebration is key, it's important to also use this time to reflect on the historic role race has played in the inequality of social and economic outcomes of our citizens.
According to
Housing Action Illinois' racial disparity report
,
Black Illinoisans are eight times more likely to experience homelessness than their White counterparts. This disproportionate representation in Chicago’s homeless population is the result of decades of housing policies, laws, and zoning ordinances that directed public investment along racial lines.
Because HOW prioritizes inclusion, diversity, and equity in our work to create affordable and accessible housing, we have made
justice
one of our five core values. You can learn more about our core values
here
.
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Join HOW's Monthly Giving Society!
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Monthly donors are absolutely vital to HOW and help to provide reliable funds that sustain HOW clients after periods of housing instability and homelessness. Monthly donations enable HOW to be responsive and flexible when developing solutions and programming.
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A Place to Call Home
The Supportive Housing Providers Association (SHPA) and Housing Action Illinois just released "
A Place to Call Home - Stories from Supportive Housing Residents". This collection of stories highlights how supportive housing is absolutely crucial and provides insight into what it is like to experience homelessness and/or live with a chronic disability.
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Leave A Comment for Housing Justice
The Fair Housing Act was created in 1968 to protect people from discrimination when renting or buying a home or engaging in other housing-related activities. HUD's recent rule proposal guts an element of the Fair Housing Act that addresses harmful patterns of segregation, discriminatory practices, and disinvestment. The rule is currently under review, and you can submit a comment to HUD telling the agency that you oppose the rule change.
Get more details and leave a comment here.
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Empowering women, children, and families to break the cycle of poverty and homelessness.
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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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