Chicago House and Social Service Agency invited Mayor Richard Daley to the Uptown neighborhood for a ribbon-cutting to unveil the new Families Building on the North Side. The Rev. Stan Sloan, the organization’s CEO, said the apartment-style residential building cost over $2 million. Although a large portion of the funds came through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, half of the cost was paid for by private donations.
The apartment units are for families whose lives have become complicated or affected by the HIV/AIDS virus. The site is part of a citywide effort to combat the homelessness that many people with HIV/AIDS are facing. “If any of you have been on vacation and have gotten like the flu or some really strong illness and you’ve been trapped there away from you home and away from your bed and all you want is your own bed and your own home and your own doctor than you have some idea of what it’s like to have HIVAIDS and be on the street,” explained Sloan.
The building offers a list of amenities that includes a computer lab, children’s library and rec room. The ceremony was attended by members of the press, Chicago House staff and board members. Daley said, “All of us here this morning have one important thing in common. We are committed to help all Chicagoans without a home, find a home and the same opportunity as any other resident to benefit from [the] many opportunities Chicago offers.” After reading his statement, the mayor cut a ribbon alongside 46th Ward Alderman Helen Shiller.