CHICAGO: Task Force, a not for profit organization to promote supportive housing to mentally challenged people, broke ground on June 23 in Wheeling, a northwest suburb of Chicago, for building a 50-unit community center that will give training to patients so that they can live independently and earn their living.
It will be named Phil Haven in the name of Ex CEO of Alexian Brothers network of hospitals. Construction of the project will start in about 4-6 weeks and will be developed by Daveri Development Group LLC. Residents will benefit from supportive services of Kenneth Young Center and Alexian Brothers.
Speakers at the groundbreaking ceremony were Jessica Berzac from Daveri Development, Susan Cowen from Kenneth Young Center, Rick Germann from Alexian Brothers Center for Mental Health, John Melaniphy Village of Wheeling, Teri Graham Cook County, Susan Cambell and Jane Hornstein Cook County Bureau of Economic Development, Rick Monocchio Housing Authority of Cook County, Senator Mark Kirk, Hugh Brady, President Task Force and Phillip, Resident of Myers Place Supportive Housing.
Thakar Basati and Amolak Singh Gidda attended on behalf of Sikh community. Sikhs helped with petition signing for supportive housing in Palatine. Catherine Alice Gardens is planned for Palatine.
In many countries including India and Pakistan, mentally challenged patients are tied with shackles to walls, floors or any other heavy object and made to stay there whole day and night, sometime even in harsh weather conditions.
McShane Construction Company is providing comprehensive construction services while VOA Associates Incorporated is serving as architects for the project. Financing for the project was provided by Illinois Housing Development Authority, Corporation for Supportive Housing, National Equity Fund, Village Bank & Trust, Cook County and Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago. Operating subsidies will be provided by Department of Mental Health, Housing Authority of Cook County and Regional Housing Initiative.
Task Force already operates Myers Place in Mount Prospect, Illinois which is a 389 unit apartment building. There are about 17,000 individuals with mental illness who are living in various institutions.
Having these communities helps people near their families yet independently. Supportive staff trains them to cook, take care of their personal belongings, and help them find jobs. If anyone would like more information they can visit housingtaskforce.org PO Box 904, Wheeling, Il 60090 or call 847-558-9917
Harish Rao
Thank You For Your Vote!
Sorry You have Already Voted!
