The Children’s Place Association Breaks Ground on Affordable Housing for Families with Disabilities in July 2014

The Children’s Place Association announced construction of a new housing development in Chicago to serve low-income families with disabilities. Elected officials from federal, state and city governments – including Congressman Danny Davis (7th District), Illinois Governor Pat Quinn and Chicago Alderman Walter Burnett (27th Ward) – gathered in late July to break ground on the project.

Known as West Humboldt Place, the new building will include 13 apartments and on-site supportive services for low-income families impacted by disabilities, such as HIV/AIDS or other conditions.

“We are so pleased that we can expand our commitment to help vulnerable children and families through development of this new building,” said Cathy Krieger, President and CEO of The Children’s Place Association. “Our organization is honored to partner with the State of Illinois and the City of Chicago to bring urgently needed housing to the West Humboldt Park community,” she added.

Located at the corner of West Chicago and North Drake Avenues, the three-story facility will have apartments on the two upper floors. The ground floor will provide supportive services for tenants as well as 200 other low-income children and caregivers from the larger community. Services will include case management, mental health counseling, job training, financial literacy instruction and programs for young children.

“West Humboldt Place’s combination of secure, affordable housing and comprehensive services will help families improve their health, education and economic stability so they can break the cycle of poverty,” Krieger said.

Major funding for the project comes from the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) and the City of Chicago, Department of Planning and Development. Private contributors include the Christopher Family Foundation, Chicago Community Trust, Northern Trust Charitable Trust and Fifth Third Bank. Pre-development financing was provided by the Corporation for Supportive Housing.

“West Humboldt Place demonstrates Governor Quinn’s commitment to creating affordable housing opportunities for working families and persons with disabilities,” IHDA Executive Director, Mary Kenney said. “Since 2009, IHDA has financed more than 2,235 units of new permanent supportive housing across the state.”

“This will be a great addition to the Humboldt Park community,” said Alderman Burnett. “I thank God for the opportunity to help The Children’s Place Association build and provide affordable housing for families with disabilities.”

The Children’s Place Association has been providing services in the Humboldt Park area for 23 years. It successfully developed two other buildings and currently manages nine apartments for families living with HIV/AIDS.