Housing Forward Review

About Housing Forward

Housing Forward: Ending Homelessness in West Suburban Cook County

Housing Forward is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is dedicated to ending homelessness in west suburban Cook County. The organization's mission is to transition individuals and families from housing crisis to housing stability. Housing Forward provides a range of services, including emergency shelter, supportive housing, and outreach programs.

The organization was founded in 1992 as the Oak Park Emergency Shelter. Over the years, it has expanded its services and changed its name to Housing Forward to reflect its broader mission. Today, Housing Forward serves more than 2,000 people each year through its various programs.

Emergency Shelter

One of the key services provided by Housing Forward is emergency shelter. The organization operates two shelters: PADS (Public Action to Deliver Shelter) and BEDS (Building Ecumenical Discipleship through Shelter). These shelters provide temporary housing for individuals who are experiencing homelessness.

PADS operates seven nights a week from October through April at various locations throughout west suburban Cook County. Volunteers provide meals and support for guests during their stay at the shelter.

BEDS operates year-round at several locations throughout south suburban Cook County. In addition to providing shelter, BEDS also offers case management services designed to help guests find permanent housing solutions.

Supportive Housing

In addition to emergency shelter, Housing Forward also provides supportive housing for individuals who have experienced chronic homelessness or have disabilities that make it difficult for them to maintain stable housing on their own.

The organization's supportive housing program includes both scattered-site apartments and congregate living facilities. Residents receive case management services designed to help them maintain their independence while also addressing any underlying issues that may have contributed to their homelessness.

Outreach Programs

Housing Forward also operates several outreach programs designed to prevent homelessness before it occurs. These programs include:

- Prevention Services: This program provides financial assistance and case management support for individuals who are at risk of losing their homes due to financial hardship.
- Rapid Rehousing: This program helps individuals who are experiencing homelessness find permanent housing solutions quickly.
- Street Outreach: This program sends trained staff members into the community with supplies such as food, clothing, hygiene products, blankets etc., with an aim of building relationships with those experiencing homelessnessto connect them with resources they need like medical care or mental health treatment.
- Employment Services: This program helps clients build job skills so they can secure employment which will enable them become self-sufficient again.


Volunteer Opportunities

Housing forward relies heavily on volunteers in order carry out its mission effectively.Volunteers can assist by preparing meals or serving as overnight hosts at one of our shelters; helping clients move into new apartments; assisting with fundraising events; or providing administrative support in our offices.Volunteering not only benefits those we serve but also gives volunteers an opportunityto give back while learning about issues relatedto povertyandhomelessnessintheir communities.


Conclusion

Overall,Housing forward has been instrumental in ending homelesnessin west suburban cook county.Their comprehensive approach towards tackling this issue has helped thousands of people transition from crisis situations into stable homes.Their work would not be possible without generous donations from supportersandvolunteerswho sharethe same visionofa world where everyonehas access safe affordablehousing.If you're interestedin supporting this cause,you can visittheir websitefor more informationon how you can get involved today!