In The News

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.”

This past spring, 17 youth residents at the Lofts on Arthington, in Chicago’s North Lawndale neighborhood, participated in weekly art programming led by art instructors from Intuit Art Museum. Participants learned various art-making skills, including jewelry making, puppet creation, and clay sculpture, and enjoyed an educational field trip to the Art Institute of Chicago. They

Eating healthy food is not a choice that most people experiencing homelessness can make, and the consequences to their health can be devastating. Farrell Mike knows this reality all too well. During the years he was homeless, Farrell’s health deteriorated, and he was hospitalized many times. Two years ago, Farrell moved into his new home

Russell grew up in a loving family on Chicago’s West Side and fondly remembers his parents and four siblings. However, those happier times faded as he developed a substance use disorder. “My substance abuse problem was the root of all my issues. It was the reason I was homeless, jobless, and unable to access information

Resilience From an early age, Jessica has been a survivor and strong self-advocate. After confiding in her mother about being molested by a family member, Jessica was told to “sweep it under the rug and keep it moving.” Jessica knew that was wrong and, at 15 years old, courageously left home to escape sexual abuse.

Access to affordable housing is one of the most consequential barriers for people reentering society after incarceration. According to the State of Illinois, approximately 20,000 people leave Illinois state prisons each year, and nearly 40% — 8,000 people — return to prison within three years. Michael Boyd, a Mercy Housing Lakefront resident, understands this reality

“Food is not just about fuel. Food is about family. Food is about community. Food is about identity. And we nourish all those things when we eat well.” – Michael Pollan What would you say if someone asked you what food you would plant in a community garden? Carrots? Tomatoes? Peas? Onions? Wait, onions? For

Yvette and her family have called Mercy Housing Lakefront’s Batavia Apartments home for six years. Yvette was a high school junior, having moved with her mom and two siblings from nearby Aurora, Illinois. “Moving to Batavia was very helpful to my mom because she was a single mother, so we needed help.” One Foot in

In many ways, Leroy Schmidt was a typical Wisconsin kid—he helped his grandfather milk the cows on their farm, attended high school, and dated his high-school sweetheart, whom he later married and spent 56 beautiful years together. But at just 16 years old, Leroy did something extraordinary. “I joined the military in ’53. I told

On July 31, Congressman Mike Quigley (IL-05) visited with residents and staff of Belray Apartments. Congressman Quigley engaged with residents, discussing their experiences and the importance of having affordable housing in diverse and walkable communities like Lakeview. Mercy Housing Lakefront President Mark Angelini also shared exciting plans for the future rehabilitation of Belray Apartments. Once