Franny is part of a supportive family but has faced unique challenges that require a wider safety net. When she was born, her parents were informed she wouldn’t live past two years old due to a rare genetic disorder that causes severe health complications. 41 years later, Franny says, “I’m still here, thank you, Lord.”

In her 20s, Franny lived in an affordable housing community, but the building went into foreclosure, and she was displaced. For two and a half years, she moved between a few family members and lived in shared spaces.

Franny’s disability affects her physical mobility, so she needs an accessible home, but the places where she was staying weren’t always accessible. She was also anxious about food insecurity and not having her own space; she struggled with insomnia when she was staying in unfamiliar places.

Finally, Franny found an independent, supportive, and accessible home at the Miriam in Chicago. “I wanted to gain independence and enjoy life. I’m grateful for Mercy Housing.”

Art therapy helps quell anxiety

Franny has been living at Miriam Apartments in Uptown for more than nine years. Over the years, she has appreciated onsite case management, as well as group activities such as health groups and art therapy. In addition to her disability, Franny has also experienced other health challenges, such as high blood pressure and anxiety. She takes anxiety medication but also finds that the programming offered at MHL has had a positive impact.

“As far as anxiety goes, I’ve been getting it under control because I go do art, being active, listening to music, and being involved in church.” In addition to being an active member of her church community, Franny also volunteers at other organizations.

In fall 2023, MHL began partnering with Community Counseling Centers of Chicago (C4) to increase access to behavioral health services at its Chicago permanent supportive housing communities. C4 provides onsite services, collaborates with Mercy Housing Lakefront services staff on referrals, and delivers onsite group programming, including art-based mental health programming. Franny has been participating since shortly after it started, and she has a close relationship with Cammi, who facilitates the program at Harold Washington Apartments in Uptown three days a week.

Neighbors and friends bond through creativity 

“I’m grateful to have [Cammi] working here. I call it my second home ’cause it’s freeing. I get to do art and have music at the same time,” Franny explains. “I like it that she has a class assignment for us to do two of the three days and, after that, free space to do what you’d like to do. So that helps, learning new things.”

They have practiced a variety of different art forms. They created their art pallets, friendship bracelets, aromatherapy bowls, coloring pages, collages, masks, and coasters, among other projects. “She’s patient, leaving room open for independence, so it’s fun. Art, conversations, check-ins, openly or intimately, she’s very good with it. So, she’s just been good; it’s been good here.”