Agency News

As we monitor the COVID-19 issue, Housing Forward’s goal has been to provide uninterrupted shelter services, while safeguarding the health and welfare of our clients, volunteers and staff.

Housing Forward Community Health Nurse Deirdre Kassay interacts regularly with clients—both those staying in temporary accommodations—and our existing clients in supportive housing. In order to comply with new Illinois rules now in effect, and for their protection as well as staff and meal delivery volunteers, she has put out a call for donated cloth face masks.

This weekend, April 25-26, the Straughan family of Oak Park is planning to run a fundraising marathon in their back yard and will split all the funds raised between Housing Forward and Beyond Hunger. Anton Straughan was inspired when he watched a YouTube video of a man in Cheltenham, England running a marathon for charity in his back yard that raised over $40K for the UK National Health Service. It took him more than one thousand trips back and forth in his 20 ft. yard to complete the feat.

Every weekday, each of our 78 clients, many of whom were moved from the rotating PADS shelter sites to individual accommodations, receive breakfast and lunch donated by our volunteers, and dinner from local caterers. On weekends, meals are provided by one local restaurant.

A lot has happened in our world, and for Housing Forward, since we last emailed. I wanted to send an update about what we are doing to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the last three weeks, we have continued to work to ensure all our clients have the services and support they need. In addition, the health and well-being of our volunteers and staff are at the forefront of our thoughts and actions. Because this situation is continually evolving, I wanted to share an update through this video, filmed on Friday, March 27.

Housing Forward Response To COVID-19 (Coronavirus) As we monitor the rapidly changing COVID-19 issue, Housing Forward’s goal has been to provide uninterrupted shelter services, while safeguarding...

On March 17, Housing Forward centralized our PADS Emergency Shelter and Support Center operations at Oak Park Temple.

One of the rare bright spots over the past week is the incredible response of the community, reaching out and asking us how they can help. Thank you!

Clients being relocated from 24-hour-a-day shelter amid COVID-19 concerns Because of our concern for the health and safety of clients, volunteers and staff during the Coronavirus outbreak, we are...

NO EMERGENCY SHELTER TONIGHT 4/30 DUE TO FLOODING AT OAK PARK TEMPLE. Regrettably, our search for an alternative local site has so far been unsuccessful. We recommend contacting BEDS PLUS CARE at www.beds-plus.org/shelters.html or SOUTH SUBURBAN PADS

The following schedule is most likely final, but we will update the public if any changes are needed.