User:Gmbretsch/Housing Opportunities for Women (HOW)

Housing Opportunities for Women (HOW) is a Chicago-based non-profit organization founded in 1983 .The organization's aim is to provide economic stability for women and assist them in achieving independence.

History
Housing Opportunities for Women was founded in 1983 by Britt Shawver. The organization was the first transitional housing program for women in Chicago. In 1985, HOW was gifted the Jonquil Apartments, which were later converted into two bedroom apartments for HOW residents. In 2003, the Jonquil Apartments were renovated after receiving funding from the Illinois Housing Authority. In 2019 after partnering with Urban Innovations, HOW established their first Evanston based apartment building.

Services
Housing Opportunities for Women provides women with a portion of their rent each month. The organization owns residential buildings in Evanston, Rogers Park, and Chicago's South Shore. Residents pay as much as they are able to with HOW providing the rest. Outside of housing aid, the organization offers drug rehabilitation, case management, employment assistance, health care, and childcare services. HOW provides women with subsidized rent in their based on their financial situation,. Residents are allowed to remain in HOW housing for as long as needed with the hope that they will eventually transition out of the program .In addition to subsidizing rent, HOW offers individually catered support for residents to foster independence.

Events
Housing Opportunities for Women organizes various events throughout the year to fundraise and garner support for their mission. Historically, they have hosted events such as the Holiday Toy Drive, luncheons, and their annual HOW 5k Plus sponsorship. In 2020 they hosted a virtual luncheon featuring a panel on eviction, and the year prior, their event “Welcome Home to Evanston” reportedly raised $150,000 for the organization .These events are part of the greater Chicago area's involvement with the organization.

Community Impact
In 2018, HOW sought City Council funding for a housing project at 2215 Dempster Street in Evanston but was denied. Subsequently, HOW secured federal funding from the Illinois Housing Development Authority to proceed. This decision led to local dissent due to perceived inadequate communication and disagreement over the site's location, given the area's demographic composition and concerns about community protection. The organization was protested by Evanston residents in response to the new HOW-funded housing development in the neighborhood .Since its formation, HOW has served over 30,000 individuals in the Chicago area.