Making more affordable housing available and ending homelessness

"What is the biggest barrier that prevents people who are experiencing homelessness from moving off the streets? Answer: A lack of affordable housing. That’s why Connections for the Homeless, the Northshore’s only organization serving individuals, families, and youth who are experiencing homelessness, is doubling down by expanding its leadership team and focusing its new strategic plan on tackling this seemingly intractable problem.   

The organization has created two new positions, Manager of Advocacy and Manager of Community & Shelter Programs to address the issues of housing affordability and housing readiness at the systemic and programmatic levels. Additionally, the organization recruited Nia Tavoularis, formerly Philanthropy Director at WBEZ (Chicago’s NPR Station), to accelerate private fundraising for the organization’s expansion efforts.    

In mid-July, Sue Loellbach, formerly the Director of Development at Connections, will take on the new role of Manager of Advocacy. Betty Bogg, Executive Director of Connections, says, “Without systemic change that creates more affordable housing in Evanston and elsewhere on the Northshore, Connections is working with one hand tied behind its back. We cannot prevent families from becoming homeless or move more people into housing unless more affordable housing becomes available. It is our responsibility and opportunity to tackle this issue head-on. Sue is a proven leader in the advocacy space, and the Board of Directors and I are confident that she will continue to have an impact.”     

Excerted from Evanston RoundTable 7/13/17