HOW Happenings - November 2019

November 2019

BUILDING OPPORTUNITIES

On October 17 ^th HOW hosted Building Opportunities, a panel discussion with four experts from diverse and intersecting fields in conversation about what works and what is next in affordable housing development. The luncheon also coincided with the completion of HOW’s new affordable housing development which opens its doors to new residents in Evanston this month!

Britt Shawver, HOW’s CEO, welcomed over 110 attendees, highlighted the relevance of HOW’s work, and introduced the panelists. The panel gave attendees unique insight into the ways corporate, nonprofit, and government entities are working together to solve the current housing affordability crisis. Speakers offered a summary of the current state of affordable housing, outlined effective policies and resources required to increase development, and also discussed the challenges inherent in the creation of new affordable housing.

The conversation tackled questions about affordable housing from different perspectives and covered a wide array of topics including immigration, segregation, and lack of community support for affordable housing development. However, the discussion ended on a hopeful note with panelists sharing their thoughts around opportunities and ways to solve the affordable housing crisis with a specific focus on partnership and innovation.

Building Opportunities would not have been possible without the support of its sponsors --thank you for your generosity.

To see photos of the event, visit HOW's Facebook page and "like" us while you're there!

GET INVOLVED

HOLIDAY WISH

With the holiday season right around the corner we are reminded that compassion is at the heart of our work as we help individuals and families to find health, happiness, and success through housing and supportive services. It is also a time of year when we ask supporters to help ensure all our clients have a bright holiday season by participating in HOW's Holiday Wish Program .

Holiday Wish allows donors to "adopt" individuals and families and purchase gifts for them. Please consider sharing the spirit of the season by granting a holiday wish today!

Purchase gifts for an individual or a family

Make a monetary donation for holiday gifts for HOW clients.

COAT DRIVE

There's a bite in the air as winter approaches and for those who don't have a proper jacket this time of year can be particularly difficult. We are currently taking requests from clients who are in need of winter coats, and have received many more requests than anticipated in sizes XL and up.

Please help us ensure all our clients are properly prepared for the frigid weather to come by making a donation of new or gently-used coats in sizes XL and up. We are looking for both men's and women's coats!

You can make a donation via Amazon, so please check out our Coat Wish List here! To learn more or coordinate a drop off please contact Noelle at [email protected].

GIVING TUESDAY

Giving Tuesday is only a month away!

Last year on Giving Tuesday, we made a simple ask: donate your "lunch" money to HOW.

This year, as a part of a dollar-for-dollar match on all increased donations, we are hoping you will consider taking your donation to the next level by also contributing your "morning latte" money to HOW on December 3rd!

HOW UPDATES

HOW Client Memorial

October 25th was a day of remembrance for HOW as staff gathered in celebration to honor the lives of clients who passed away last year. The memorial took place at a beautiful, tree-filled stretch of Jackson Park with thirty HOW employees in attendance. The program began with three inspiring and heartfelt readings then staff shared stories and memories of the clients who had passed on. After an additional reading, biogradable balloons in honor of the ten clients lost last year were released into the air to the tunes of "In My Life" by the Beatles.

The memorial was a beautiful tribute to the clients who have passed away, and allowed staff to come together and support one another on this difficult but rewarding journey. Each client brought joy to the HOW community and will be fondly remembered.

LEARNING

Systems of Inequity

According to the newly released data from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) African Americans living in Illinois are eight times more likely to experience homelessness that white Illinoisans. This trend is true across both rural and urban areas. Read more about the racial inequity and possible solutions here.

Mayor Lightfoot's New Budget

Mayor Lightfoot released her budget for the coming year committing $10 million towards affordable housing and homelessness prevention. While this is a great start to addressing the city's homelessness and affordability crisis, some advocates say it's no where near enough. Learn more here.

Empowering women, children 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.

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HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES FOR WOMEN

1607 W Howard St. - Third Floor - Chicago, IL 60626

773-465-5770 | www.how-inc.org