Non-Profit Partnership Celebrates Completed North Chicago Renovation with Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

North Chicago, IL, May 25, 2022: On May 19, Matthew Homes and YouthBuild Lake County (YBLC) celebrated their first co-completed affordable home renovation project with a ribbon cutting ceremony. This signifies the completion of a 3-year operation, which was slowed down due to COVID. This renovation was accomplished through a joint effort between the two organizations: Matthew Homes provided the materials for the project and YBLC's members provided the labor while providing valuable hands-on training to young adults ages 16-24.

President and Executive Director of ReNew Communities, the parent organization of Matthew Homes, was excited to welcome the family of 4 into their newly renovated home. This project is a part of Matthew Homes' long-term commitment to the development of North Chicago. This is accomplished by encouraging home ownership block-by-block until community enrichment grows organically and exponentially. By partnering with YBLC, this mission doubles its impact area by giving YBLC members a chance to develop their construction skills as they pursue jobs within the trades.

Tameka Wilson, Executive Director of YouthBuild Lake County, explained how this new partnership will continue to make positive change throughout North Chicago:

"Over 100 YouthBuild Members have touched any portion of this project. Projects like these help our members earn service hours, which is really intended to renew and rebuild the young adults' communities. It's a very natural process for us to partner with an organization like Matthew Homes, which allows us to support the home ownership and revitalization of North Chicago."

Thomas Corning, the Design and Construction Coordinator at Matthew Homes, recounted how the partnership impacted the project:

"What I want to celebrate is the collaboration between our volunteers, the young people that work with YouthBuild, and all the all the other various agencies who sent volunteers to build this beautiful home. It reflects the wonderful association we have with YouthBuild and what happens as a result of our new partnership."

Matthew Homes and YouthBuild Lake County are currently working on a second affordable housing project within the same neighborhood. Both organizations are excited to continue their shared impact throughout North Chicago in the following years.