North Shore nonprofits team up to address Illinois supportive housing crisis
A local nonprofit organization aims to breathe new life into a former memory care building at 1651 Ridgefield Road in Highland Park, Illinois, reimagining it as a vibrant, community-oriented living space for adults with disabilities.
The Collaborative Community Housing Initiative, in partnership with the Housing Opportunity Development Corp., plans to acquire and renovate the building at a cost of approximately $10 million to help address the critical need for sustainable and supportive independent living options for adults with disabilities in Illinois.
Illinois is grappling with a severe shortage of affordable housing for individuals with disabilities. Over 336,000 people with disabilities live in Lake and Cook counties alone, and statewide, 1.4 million residents have intellectual or developmental disabilities.
Of these, 200,000 live in poverty, and 20,000 are waiting for housing services. Illinois ranks 47th in the U.S. for community-based funding, highlighting the importance of this initiative.
By partnering with HODC, an experienced developer of affordable housing, CCHI plans to create a replicable model for inclusive housing that can be adapted for other communities across the state.
"Our project goes beyond housing," says Laurie Williams, founder and director of CCHI. "We’re creating a blueprint for how communities can address the supportive housing crisis while promoting true inclusion and independence for adults with disabilities."
CCHI and HODC will transform the property into an apartment building, with communal spaces designed to foster a sense of community and connection. The residence will include:
• 40 accessible studio to 2-bedroom apartments with kitchens and laundry
• Shared areas for social events, activities, and celebrations
• Therapy rooms and spaces for job training and vocational support
• Sensory-friendly designs to meet varying physical needs
• Access to green spaces, public transportation, and supportive services
“We’re proud to work alongside CCHI to bring this vision to life,” says Richard Koenig, executive director of HODC. “This partnership allows us to build a truly supportive living environment where people of all abilities are empowered to make their own choices and connections while leading independent lives.”
CCHI invites the public to support this initiative at the “Raise the Roof” fundraising event on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024, at 28 Mile Distillery, 454 Sheridan Road in Highwood, from 6 to 9 p.m.
“This event is both about raising awareness and helping us to literally build a future where everyone, regardless of ability, can thrive,” says Williams.
Tickets are available online at www.thecchi.org, and donations can be made through the website for those unable to attend.
Collaborative Community Housing Initiative, a nonprofit organization founded in 2019 by families, community leaders, and disability advocates, addresses the shortage of inclusive living options for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Highland Park, Illinois and surrounding areas. It champions inclusive and affordable housing choices, supporting individuals in selecting their living arrangements and services.
Housing Opportunity Development Corporation, a community-based nonprofit developer of affordable housing, has been transforming communities since 1983. Its mission focuses on developing, managing, and preserving affordable housing for low- and moderate-income households, primarily in Chicago’s northern suburbs.