Family Support Across the City
“From the beginning, I felt—as did the others who were around at that time—that Chicago House was something that had to be done. It wasn’t just another charity. We came together because we had a burning desire to do something, to create a home where people could live with compassionate care, where there would be warmth, a family environment.”
~Fred Woods, Founder and Legacy Donor
At Chicago House, we understand that the road to stability isn't easy for individuals and families impacted by HIV and homelessness. This is why our long running Family Support Program (FSP) offers more than just a place to call home; it gives parents and children the opportunity to break the cycle of generational poverty.
Based at our Uptown residence, which is named after Fred Woods in honor of his personal and financial impact on Chicago House, FSP is a lifeline. With connections to case management, out-of-school activities, and other critical resources, families are maintaining housing and thriving.
As one parent said, “Bridges [the youth development initiative] has been a game changer for us. It’s given my kids a safe space to learn and grow, and I can finally focus on improving my own life too. I’m starting to believe in a better future for all of us.”
For our youth residents, success is more than just academic achievement—it's about creating a sense of belonging, stability, and a future of their own. Devon, a former youth resident who is now in their 30s and leading youth services for a Chicago nonprofit, shared:
“It’s a miracle to be where I am in life. Prior to this program my family and I were homeless and hopeless, and this program changed the trajectory of my whole life. I came to this program when I was 12 and was engaged in the program until I was 23. I think overall my favorite memory is just being with family and building healthy relationships with them through various activities and experiences. The people that I met when I was 12 are still friends that I have today.”
The impact is undeniable: 98% of our youth are earning A’s and B’s and 100% are progressing to the next grade level. And this year, we’re taking it further by expanding our programming to help nurture creativity and academic growth through our new MAATS curriculum—Music, Arts, Academics, Technology, & Support.
From group activities and dedicated mentorship to a newly added on-site garden, families build a lasting community of support that extends beyond our walls. Evany Turk, Director of Residential Housing, explained, “The combination of housing and tailored youth development offers a unique opportunity to break cycles of poverty and create brighter futures. We deeply value the ongoing support that has made the Family Support Program a success and look forward to building on this legacy in new and innovative ways.”
A safe home, a strong education, and a supportive community are the foundations that allow families to move beyond crisis and onto building a stable future. For parents, it means the chance to focus on their children’s growth, their own well-being, and the bonds that hold their families together. For children, it means consistency, friendships, and the confidence to dream bigger.
Looking ahead, Chicago House will bring the FSP model to Englewood and North Lawndale, opening doors for more families in 2025. Already, new residents have shared their hope for what the space will bring: “I’m very grateful to have a safe home for me and my kids. I’m excited for them to be stable. I’m excited about the idea of an afterschool program here. It would give my kids the extra help they need—they missed a lot of school while we were homeless—and they’d have a safe place to go. I know it could help us a lot.”
Your gift this Giving Day, February 24th, will ensure families are connected to the household supplies and furniture they need when moving into their new homes! Help us break the cycles that limit success so our residents can sustain themselves long-term.
