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Mercy Housing Lakefront

Our mission is to create stable, vibrant, and healthy communities by developing, financing, and operating affordable, program-enriched housing for families, seniors, and people with special needs who lack the economic resources to access quality, safe housing opportunities. We achieve this through our resident-centric services, strategic approach to housing development, and the support of our partners and donors.

Mercy Housing Lakefront, the Great Lakes region’s largest nonprofit provider of service-enriched housing, is committed to creating affordable homes and inspiring dreams. We work with residents to establish engaged, strong, and inclusive communities. MHL owns and operates 42 properties in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana, serving more than 7,000 people annually.

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The Problem

293,354 Shortage of affordable homes for extremely low-income households in Illinois

$12,540 Average income of Mercy Housing Lakefront households

Our Impact

5,061 Apartment homes across the region

7,000+ People live in an affordable Mercy Housing Lakefront community

The Need for Affordable Housing

A significant number of communities in Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin continue to struggle with a shortage of affordable housing. In Illinois alone, there is a shortage of more than 324,000 affordable rental homes for extremely low-income households – forcing many people to become homeless or just one paycheck away from homelessness.

Rent burden and housing instability have widespread negative impacts on people’s health, education, and economic security.

Explore our Impact Report to see how we’ve responded to the needs of our region »

Help People Like Edna

On her own at 17 years old, Edna battled homelessness and addiction on the streets of Chicago. Filled with hope and a desire for a better life, she found her way to Mercy Housing Lakefront and moved into an apartment in the Schiff Residences.

Edna met Tarlisa Hunt, the Schiff Residences Property Manager, whose encouragement gave her the strength to go to school and eventually graduate from the prestigious culinary school Le Cordon Bleu. Watch Edna’s Story >

Donate to Mercy Housing Lakefront

We are proud to serve our residents and Lakefront communities through the development of affordable housing and resident services. Donate today to help us continue our mission!

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News Feed

Franny embraces her independence at the Miriam

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.”

Youth creativity thrives through art and self-expression

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

Health improves with stable housing

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

Partner With Us

Long-term solutions to the affordable housing crisis begin with an organizational commitment to lasting, creative, and dynamic partnerships. We are constantly building new relationships to meet the needs of our communities and capitalize on opportunities in the Great Lakes region.

We hope you’ll join us in finding new solutions and empowering even more residents to achieve their dreams.

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