Housing Forward Highlighted in Cook County Press Conference

On July 23rd, Housing Forward was honored to host Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, Commissioner Brandon Johnson, Illinois Senate President Don Harmon, Representative Camille Lilly, and Oak Park Village President Vicki Scaman to announce a $100,000 grant from Cook County’s Justice Advisory Council (JAC) in support of our work on in west suburban Cook County. Our executive director, Lynda Schueler, also spoke at the press conference, as well Vincent Johnson, who shared his experience as a client of the Housing Forward Interim Housing Program. The JAC grant is an acknowledgement that housing is foundational. No other intervention can provide for the safety and stability to address higher needs, than housing. 

“This approach has the power to transform Cook County communities affected by an array of destabilizing factors, including housing instability, unemployment, mental health and crime,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. “Housing is a critical piece of the puzzle in this regard — we believe housing is a human right and today, we are taking another step in ensuring that everyone has a safe, stable place to lay their head at night.”

“This grant is a tremendous starting point for rebuilding lives and communities,” said Illinois Senate President Don Harmon.

Lynda Schueler shared that the JAC grant will provide invaluable support for our programs for individuals experiencing homelessness, by providing the space, capacity, and flexibility to reach Housing Forward's organizational goals toward ending homelessness.