In The News

Russell grew up in a loving family on Chicago’s West Side and fondly remembers his parents and four siblings. However, those happier times faded as he developed a substance use disorder. “My substance abuse problem was the root of all my issues. It was the reason I was homeless, jobless, and unable to access information

Resilience From an early age, Jessica has been a survivor and strong self-advocate. After confiding in her mother about being molested by a family member, Jessica was told to “sweep it under the rug and keep it moving.” Jessica knew that was wrong and, at 15 years old, courageously left home to escape sexual abuse.

Access to affordable housing is one of the most consequential barriers for people reentering society after incarceration. According to the State of Illinois, approximately 20,000 people leave Illinois state prisons each year, and nearly 40% — 8,000 people — return to prison within three years. Michael Boyd, a Mercy Housing Lakefront resident, understands this reality

“Food is not just about fuel. Food is about family. Food is about community. Food is about identity. And we nourish all those things when we eat well.” – Michael Pollan What would you say if someone asked you what food you would plant in a community garden? Carrots? Tomatoes? Peas? Onions? Wait, onions? For

Yvette and her family have called Mercy Housing Lakefront’s Batavia Apartments home for six years. Yvette was a high school junior, having moved with her mom and two siblings from nearby Aurora, Illinois. “Moving to Batavia was very helpful to my mom because she was a single mother, so we needed help.” One Foot in

In many ways, Leroy Schmidt was a typical Wisconsin kid—he helped his grandfather milk the cows on their farm, attended high school, and dated his high-school sweetheart, whom he later married and spent 56 beautiful years together. But at just 16 years old, Leroy did something extraordinary. “I joined the military in ’53. I told

On July 31, Congressman Mike Quigley (IL-05) visited with residents and staff of Belray Apartments. Congressman Quigley engaged with residents, discussing their experiences and the importance of having affordable housing in diverse and walkable communities like Lakeview. Mercy Housing Lakefront President Mark Angelini also shared exciting plans for the future rehabilitation of Belray Apartments. Once

We are proud to share that Mercy Housing Lakefront was honored with the prestigious 2024 Charles L. Edson Tax Credit Excellence Award in the HUD Preservation category for the Carlton Apartments. The Carlton Apartments provides permanent supportive housing to 68 residents in Chicago’s vibrant Uptown community. As a result of the year-long rehabilitation, Carlton residents

At Mercy Housing Lakefront, home is just the beginning. We partner with community organizations to offer programs and services to help meet residents’ needs. At Johnston Center Residences in Milwaukee, eight residents participated in a four-week Medical Homes Program, sponsored by healthcare partner City on a Hill (COAH). Participants learned healthy lifestyle habits, preventative care

In late July, residents of Mercy Housing Lakefront’s Roseland Place Apartments traveled back in time to relive their prom day experience! This Chicago community is home to 60 seniors with low incomes in the Roseland neighborhood. With the help of community partners and sponsors, residents were given prom dresses, suits, shoes, and fashion jewelry. Many