October 2020
LATEST NEWS
Register Now for HOW's Virtual Luncheon
As a provider of housing and support services, HOW is all too aware of the lack of affordable housing and its subsequent effect on evictions and homelessness.

The devastating results of COVID-19 have highlighted issues of economic, heath, and housing instability across the country. This is clearly illustrated through the current eviction crisis which has caused many local and state governments to enact moratoriums allowing individuals to remain stably housed throughout the pandemic. While prioritizing housing stability is critical to the health and wellbeing of all, the ripple effects are impacting landlords and lenders already, and only delaying the inevitable.

We invite you to learn more about this complex topic on October 15th at HOW's virtual luncheon, Locked Out, which will explore the current eviction crisis from a variety of perspectives and offer strategies to resolve it.

Registration is required and must be completed by October 13th!
Meet Our Panelists
UPCOMING EVENTS
Make it a Warm Winter for HOW Clients
2020 Coat Drive
Autumn is officially here and the weather is changing quickly. As such, HOW is collecting donations of new and/or gently-used coats to distribute to clients who are in need of some additional layers to make it through the winter safely. We have already had 87 clients request coats thus far!

Learn about how to make a donation and find additional details about the drive here!
HOW UPDATES
Office Consolidation
In September HOW completed its consolidation of the northside office, and its expansion of the agency's southside workspace. With a large portion of HOW's workforce regularly in the field (and working from home right now) the consolidation creates a more adaptable working environment with "flex" desks and a variety of multiuse spaces. HOW is excited to have the staff together on a single floor at our 1607 Howard St. location to better foster collaboration across teams.

The agency's expansion of its southside office will better distribute HOW's staff and resources across the city. More in-person programming and events will take place in the expanded southside office (once it's safe to resume them). HOW will also be adding additional Case Managers to cover the growing number of individuals and clients living on the southside who will benefit from increased access to HOW programming.
Help HOW Meet its Monthly Donor Goal
At the beginning of 2020 HOW set a goal to significantly increase our number of monthly donors. We are only 6 monthly donors away from achieving this goal. We know there is so much happening in the world right now and its easy for donations to fall through the cracks. As a monthly donor, you can "set it and forget it," and make a monthly contribution to HOW at any dollar amount.

Monthly donors fuel HOW's critical work and enable the program to remain nimble and responsive to clients' changing needs. Please help HOW achieve its goal by signing up today.
Community-based Art Piece Welcomes HOW Clients
HOW's value of collaboration is emulated in a new piece of art which represents the power of community. Over the course of 2019 and 2020 HOW gathered art clippings from clients, supporters, staff, and community members representing "home." These individual pieces were thoughtfully assembled to create a beautiful collage welcoming clients to their new homes. The collage also has handwritten messages from neighbors and friends, inviting HOW clients into the neighborhood community. The piece will hang in the entry of HOW's Evanston building.
Looking Ahead
Autumn signifies the beginning of the busiest time of year for the organization and all of you! Please keep HOW in mind as you plan out your next few months.
October
  • HOW's Virtual Luncheon
  • Winter Coat Drive
November
  • Holiday Wish
  • Holiday Appeal
December
  • Giving Tuesday
  • Holiday Wish
  • Holiday Appeal
LEARNING AND ADVOCACY
SNAP benefits are expiring for some at the end of October. Individuals who received a renewal notice from the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) in September, must submit documents to continue receiving benefits in November. Help spread the word before the deadline by sharing on your social media accounts now.
The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services is investing $36+ million in homelessness intervention programs with the goal of getting Chicagoans experiencing homelessness housed quickly. The plan is to pair individuals and families with available subsidies and units quickly by removing income verification and other limitations which slow down the matching processes. Learn more here.
The quickly changing weather is yet another hurdle faced by people experiencing homelessness in their efforts to remain safe and healthy. With majority of shelters at limited capacity and warming centers not outfitted for social-distancing it will be more difficult to escape the bitter chill of the winter because of COVID-19. WBEZ's story further explores this issue.
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. 
HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES FOR WOMEN 
1607 W Howard St. - Third Floor - Chicago, IL 60626
773-465-5770 | www.how-inc.org