Opening Doors

On Nov. 2, 1998 Lynda Schueler began working at Tri-Village PADS (now Housing Forward) as manager of Volunteer Services. She joined six other employees working in two rooms of a church basement in Maywood. Much of the work in those days was done by a small, hardy band of volunteers and a determined board of trustees (most often the same people) concerned about a growing population experiencing homelessness in the area. Nothing has been the same around here ever since.

On June 3rd Maiden Street Irish Dance Academy held a special performance to benefit Housing Forward. The students of Maiden Street put on an amazing performance and helped raise over $2,100.  The event was additionally supported by numerous parents who donated food and drinks, St. Vincent Ferrer Church who donated their space as well as Dark Matter Coffee and Two Brothers Artisan Brewing.

The 16th Annual Progressive Dinner was a delicious success once again this year!  Thanks to each of you who attended and for filling the evening with laughter and friendship!

Want to make your financial contribution go even further? See if you employer will match your donation!

Corporate matching gift programs are charitable giving programs setup by corporations in which the company matches donations made by employees to eligible nonprofit organizations. For example, if a donor works for Bank of America and donates $100 to Housing Forward, Bank of America will double the donation by also writing a check for $100. Thousands of companies offer matching gift programs.

On Saturday, October 21st, 21 well-dressed teams of detectives participated in the Housing Forward Associate Board Mystery and Mayhem event at Untitled Supper Club. During the Old Hollywood Whodunit, guests collected clues throughout the evening to help solve the crime of the century. Team "Book Club" came out on top by not only identifying the culprit, but also detailing her motive and opportunity to commit the crime.

On Friday, September 22, Housing Forward held an Open House at our new office at 6634 W. Roosevelt Road in Oak Park.

Housing Forward will hold an Open House on Friday, September 22, from 4pm – 6pm, at their new office at 6634 W. Roosevelt Road in Oak Park featuring tours of the new office space, program highlights, and the unveiling of the designated Walk-In Center for Entry Point.

On Friday, June 9, Sarah Dolan, Housing Forward Board Member and owner and instructor of the Maiden Street Irish Dance Academy, hosted a benefit dance performance at St. Vincent Ferrar Church in River Forest. More than 100 parents and families attended this special night of true Irish celebration of dance and music with all class levels participating for a fun night fundraising. The event raised more than $1650 in support of Housing Forward and our mission to end homelessness.

Linda was 50 and had been living in an unattached garage for 3 years when her chronic lung condition sent her to the emergency room. The hospital social worker connected with Housing Forward’s Street Outreach & Engagement team to see if Housing Forward could help her.

On April 17th, past attendees of the Progressive Dinner may be surprised by a major event change. During this unique dining experience, guests enjoy three courses at three Oak Park restaurants. This year, two new venues will be featured- Oak Park Brewing Company for appetizers and Live Café for desserts. “We are hoping that switching up the venues will give those that have been coming to this event for many years a renewed experience,” says Janet Gow, Director of Development and Communications.