As Chicago faces a growing homelessness crisis, non-profits are shouldering more responsibility for supporting those affected by a shortage of affordable housing—but their success isn’t possible without collaboration and support from multiple directions.
Kathy Booton Wilson, CEO of Deborah’s Place, says “we need the voices of all sectors of our community.”
Long recognized as a leader in the movement for Housing First and evidence-based homelessness intervention in Chicago, Deborah’s Place is prepared to rise to the challenges of our current era. The Board of Directors of Deborah’s Place in particular brings the advantage of diverse backgrounds and expertise. The Board President, Jeremy Bressman, brings the resources and connections of commercial real estate through his position with Cushman & Wakefield. Vice President Rosie Drumgoole is an experienced nonprofit executive as CEO of Chicago Cares and was recently appointed by Governor J.B. Pritzker to the Illinois Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service. The Board’s newest member, Anne Osuji, is a medical student at the University of Illinois Chicago and aims to address the health disparities and impacts of homelessness. These and many more Board Members are long-time volunteers for Deborah’s Place, and their connections with women who’ve experienced homelessness inform their leadership.
“Our Board members’ diverse backgrounds and extensive experience reflect a fusion of innovation and compassion, which will empower us to amplify our outreach and uplift the women we serve,” says Bressman.
Notably, Deborah’s Place will provide supportive services to 34 women who’ve experienced chronic homelessness through their partnership with the Interfaith Housing Development Corporation at the Conservatory Apartments, set to open this winter.
“Deborah’s Place recognizes that ending homelessness for women in Chicago is not something we can do alone,” says Booton Wilson.