On September 23, we gathered at Venue West in Chicago to celebrate the many successes of our permanent supportive housing communities, including the transformative impact on people’s lives and the partners who came together to make it possible.

The program featured inspiring words from Illinois State Senator Mike Simmons, 7th District, who reflected on his personal experience growing up in public housing as well as his leadership in public service today. Senator Simmons was presented with the Inspiring Hope Award in recognition of his advocacy to preserve permanent supportive housing.

Eric, a permanent supportive housing resident, shared his powerful story in this year’s impact video. For Eric, stable housing allowed him to rebuild his life, reconnect with family, and share his gifts with his community: “When I got here, I had a permanent address. I wasn’t running no more. I turned my key, relaxed, and I could think about what I want to do and how I’m going to do it.”

Attendees also recognized Debbie Burkart, a lifelong champion of permanent supportive housing, with the Spirit of Mercy Award for lifetime leadership and achievement in creating a more just and humane world. Debbie was a pioneer in financing permanent supportive housing through the LIHTC program, including many of Mercy Housing Lakefront’s early development.

Thank you to all our Moving Forward Together event sponsors and donors, residents, and staff who help make the transformative impact of permanent supportive housing possible.