Have a Heart Gala

Our vision of ending homelessness is rooted in the belief that to have meaningful, measurable, and transformative impact, we must innovate and partner. Homelessness is solvable when collaborations are formed across sectors to break down systemic barriers that perpetuate homelessness. 

Cook County has been our partner for over two decades, ensuring that men, women, and children experiencing housing instability in west suburban Cook County have access to the resources they need to forestall an eviction and stave off homelessness.

The Village of Oak Park has been a vital municipal partner since our founding, providing unfailing support to our PADS Emergency Shelter and has been an engaged partner ever since. Truly committed to our mission, the Village has provided seed funding for numerous initiatives as well as supported the creation of the Oak Park Homelessness Coalition. 

After three decades of support, the Village was among the first to help us navigate the complexities of the COVID-19 pandemic with expertise, counsel, and financial resources. The Village of Oak Park has been a major contributor in making us the homeless response leader we are today!

BMO Harris Bank aims to “to lead by example.” This is exemplified in their partnership with us. For nearly 20 years, BMO has invested in our work because it recognizes the immense societal impact of ending homelessness. And as we have evolved, so too has BMO’s support. 

When BMO learned of our COVID response and its resulting growth, they doubled their annual support. When BMO learned of the new Permanent Supportive Housing development in Broadview, they provided a leadership gift to Housing Forward’s building campaign, and we are so grateful for their investment!

EDUCO Web Design first connected with us in 2009 when its owner, Chris Mickens, volunteered to lend her graphic design skills to West Suburban PADS. This relationship grew into a multi-faceted partnership that provides a foundational resource to our marketing and communication efforts, including web design, countless hours of consultation, brainstorming and advice, as well as producing beautiful and compelling video pieces.

The EDUCO team approaches its work with kindness, compassion, and a collaborative spirit that enriches us in immeasurable ways. We are honored to call EDUCO as our partner.   

We were introduced to Jenner & Block at our 2007 Have a Heart Gala which quickly led to them becoming our official legal counsel. Fifteen years later, countless hours of guidance, on a wide range of issues, have been provided, equaling more than $1,000,000 worth of legal services. 

In the past two years, in particular, Jenner & Block has played a key role in several of our transformative developments, including securing the space at the former Write Inn Hotel for our new Interim Housing program and helping us navigate our upcoming Permanent Supportive Housing development in Broadview. We are incredibly fortunate to have them as a partner and guide.