In its eighth year, the Feel Better Challenge has continued to thrive and is being expanded to more sessions each summer. This summer, we had 139 participants from our 12 buildings sign up and participate in the challenge.

Many did a 5k walk to Chicago’s Northerly Island, and even more went hiking in groups to Illinois’ Starved Rock State Park, showing great determination on a hot summer day and supporting each other both inside and outside the city.

We also had arts and music activities for our Rhythm and Hues event at one of our properties in Roseland. 36 people participated, traveling from all our Permanent Supportive Housing buildings. In Chicago’s Chinatown, 42 of them came to the Final Celebration party, where they played softball and participated in a Zumba class.

One participant said, “Feel Better has taught me how to prepare meals in a healthy lifestyle. I learned how to cook my food using olive oil. I had never made smoothies before the Feel Better Challenge. Now I know how to make my own moving forward.” Another said, “I had fun teaching my own classes, meeting new people was a plus.” Another stated, “Eight weeks have passed and Feel Better is over. These weeks went fast. These activities and events were competitive, interactive, and fun. The interactions with other participants and other buildings increased the fun factor. I am looking forward to next time!” We are looking forward to offering and inspiring continued activities and events that encourage, connect, and engage tenants, their neighbors, and their communities to Feel Better.