Inland Real Estate chief honored by DuPage Homeownership Center

OAK BROOK - Daniel L. Goodwin, chairman and CEO of The Inland Real Estate Group, has been named one of two recipients of the 2016 Robert Christ Affordable Housing Award, presented by the DuPage Homeownership Center.

Goodwin was recognized for his extraordinary commitment and contributions to affordable housing initiatives in DuPage County.

The Robert Christ Affordable Housing Award is presented annually by the DuPage Homeownership Center to an individual or organization that has made substantial contributions to affordable housing in DuPage County. The award is named in honor of Robert Christ, the center's founding board president, who was a leading affordable housing activist in DuPage County.

"We are proud to recognize Dan Goodwin's passion, dedication and commitment to creating safe, affordable housing for low-income residents of DuPage County," said Anne O'Dell, acting director of the DuPage Homeownership Center. "His tireless efforts and advocacy have been a true inspiration to our community, and have increased the quality of life for so many individuals and families."

For more than 40 years, Goodwin has demonstrated a passion for affordable housing initiatives in DuPage County and the state of Illinois. In 1994, he founded New Directions Housing Corporation (NDHC), a nonprofit that develops affordable housing in areas where low-income residents can access public transportation and good schools. NDHC has built or rehabbed nearly 500 residential units in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. The organization also partners with community groups to provide residents with services such as Meals on Wheels, after-school programs, free flu shots and other activities.

Goodwin, along with Robert Christ, was also a founding member of the DuPage Homeownership Center. He also served on the board of the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) Trust Fund. He chaired the first Affordable Housing Task Force for DuPage County and, to date, wrote the only published study on affordable housing in DuPage County. This study, and his involvement with the local task force, aided in the implementation of an affordable housing policy for the County. The policy has continued to serve as a model for many communities throughout the nation.