July 4, 2011
Chicago, Ill – Habitat for Humanity is pleased to announce the creation of an umbrella organization for the eight Habitat for Humanity affiliates in the Chicago area, with a goal of significantly increasing the number of families served. An estimated 12 – 15% of families in the Chicago area live in sub-standard housing, according to the Center for Housing Policy.
The concept for Habitat for Humanity is quite simple and unique—it is a hand-up (and not a hand-out) for the increasing number of working families in great need of decent, affordable housing. Habitat for Humanity (through its local affiliates around the world) provides volunteer labor and significant donated material to build or improve decent homes at a very reasonable cost, coupled with zero interest loans and a requirement that the future owners put in significant amounts of their own time to help with the construction or rehabilitation of their future home.
The eight Habitat for Humanity affiliates in the Chicago area have been unable to meet the great need in Chicago for affordable housing. With the recent recession, the situation has become even more serious. Despite the individual strengths and aspirations of the eight separate Habitat for Humanity affiliates, their overall growth in the Chicagoland area is circumscribed to the present capacity of each affiliate.
Chicagoland Habitat for Humanity can leverage capacity building and growth, marketing and advocacy as “one Chicago Habitat for Humanity” by working in collaboration with the eight Chicagoland affiliates.
“The umbrella Chicagoland Habitat for Humanity organization will more effectively recruit donors, volunteers and advocates to help Habitat for Humanity address the urgent housing needs in the Chicago area”, according to Greg Thompson, Chair of the Chicagoland Board of Directors.
The Chicagoland Habitat for Humanity Board, in collaboration with the eight Chicagoland affiliates, recently developed a comprehensive strategic plan that was informed in part by pro bono support from McKinsey & Company’s Chicago Office.
“The strategic plan is a great roadmap to effectively and dramatically increase the number of families served in the Chicagoland area”, according to Joe Mulvey of Habitat for Humanity International.
The Chicagoland Habitat for Humanity Board is made up of significant business leaders in the Chicago area, skilled practitioners (with vast experience in fundraising, strategic planning, marketing and real estate), community leaders and individuals with current and past ties to Habitat for Humanity International.
The eight affiliates in the Chicago area are located in Addison, Aurora, Carpentersville, Chicago, Chicago Heights, Joliet, McHenry and Waukegan.
For more information, contact:
· Greg Thompson, Chair of the CHFH Board, 847-340-4908, Gregory.Thompson46@gmail.com
· Joe Mulvey, Habitat for Humanity International, 847-562-6441, Jmulvey@habitat.org