Association for Individual Development opens new affordable and supportive housing development in Elgin

Posted August 08, 2025 4:58 pm

By Douglas Milewski, Association for Individual Development

AID hosts a ribbon-cutting ceremony for The Wildwoods, which includes Wildwood Commons, a 24-unit permanent supportive housing community, and Wildwood Trace, a 50-unit affordable housing property. Courtesy of AID

Elgin, IL — The Association for Individual Development (AID) hosted a ribbon cutting and open house ceremony on Thursday, Aug. 7, at 691 S. State Street in Elgin to celebrate the completion of The Wildwoods — a new affordable and supportive housing development.

The event featured remarks from several distinguished guests, including Lore Baker, AID President & CEO; Elgin Mayor Dave Kaptain; Kane County Board Chair Corinne Pierog; state Representatives Maura Hirschauer, Anna Moeller and Suzanne Ness; state Sen. Karina Villa; and AID Board Chairman Jim Gould.

Lore Baker, AID president and CEO, speaks to the attendees at the ribbon cutting and open house for The Wildwoods, a new affordable and supportive housing development in Elgin. Courtesy of AID

The Wildwoods features two components: Wildwood Commons, a 24-unit permanent supportive housing community, and Wildwood Trace, a 50-unit affordable housing property.

This transformative project was made possible through the generous support of funding partners, including PNC Real Estate, ComEd, Illinois Housing Development Authority, Seigle Foundation, and Kane County.

During the ceremony, AID Board Chairman Jim Gould offered a memorable metaphor to describe the importance of the project:

“How many of you played musical chairs when you were kids?” Gould asked the crowd. “We all know the game: walk in circles, music stops, and everyone scrambles for a seat — but there aren't enough chairs. Someone always loses out.

“That’s the best explanation of the shortage of affordable housing in the U.S. It’s musical homes: fewer affordable units than people who need them — especially vulnerable populations,” Gould said. “Under Lore’s leadership, AID is putting more chairs in the circle with this supportive housing. Together, we’ve added more chairs.”

Jim Gould, chairman of AID board of directors, discusses the need for more permanent supportive housing during the ribbon-cutting ceremony for The Wildwoods in Elgin. Courtesy of AID

About AID

The Association for Individual Development provides vital services to individuals with developmental disabilities, mental health needs, and those in crisis across Kane, Kendall, DeKalb, DuPage, Will, McHenry, and suburban Cook County. Founded in 1961 by parents of children with developmental disabilities, AID has grown into a comprehensive provider serving over 5,000 individuals in 2024. Services include mental health and crisis intervention, affordable housing, community outreach, street outreach, and more.

To learn more, visit www.aidcares.org.

Article Comments

Article Comments

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.