As part of its Sunday/Funday bi-monthly events, Club Escape, at 1530 E. 75th St., opened its doors Dec. 9 for an informal party promoting the new housing initiative One Roof Chicago. The gathering also included a buffet and comedian Otis Mack.
One Roof Chicago’s goals include building new housing to support LGBTQ+ seniors on the South Side of Chicago and directing young LGBTQ+ individuals toward careers in care giving and wellness.
With as many as 40% of homeless youth identifying as LGBTQ+, and 75% of LGBTQ+ seniors entering long-term care facilities, the project is aimed at both ends of the lifespan. Nearly a quarter of LGBTQ+ Black youth aged 18-25 have experienced homelessness, while the Chicago Continuum of Care identifies job training as a key requirement for housing insecure youth for long-term stability.
One Roof Chicago CEO Jim Harvey spoke about One Roof Chicago’s LGBTQ+-centered proposed intergenerational community for older adults and young people in need of affirming housing, meaningful connection and career development. He said the One Roof Chicago model will encourage LGBTQ+ youth to explore career goals that take full advantage of the opportunities for on-site internships, with support from educational programs and external employer partners.
Workforce Development Program Manager David Dodd spoke about reaching out to young adults interested in eldercare and a working partnership with Malcom X College and the Friend Health Center for training and certification. Key to this are ongoing intergenerational/intersexual discussions. Dodd said that much of the critical Chicago city leadership is onboard with the project, along with south and west side partners like Life is Work and Brave Space Alliance.
At this Club Escape event the four phases of the One Roof Chicago project were presented, with phase one (a feasibility analysis) completed and phase two (financing), phase three (construction) and phase four (marketing and lease up) in progress.
See oneroofchicago.org.
Photos by Vern Hester
