The non-profit Habitat for Humanity DuPage County and Chicago South Suburbs presented its accomplishments made in 2023 in the Village of Park Forest earlier this week at Monday night's board meeting.
The presentation at Village Hall was one of many displayed in front of Mayor Joseph A. Woods and the village trustees - including the swearing-in of two officers and the Park Forest Environment Commission boasting its achievements from last year.
Director of Community Outreach and Partnerships James Escortt Jr. addressed everyone, showed a PowerPoint presentation, and highlighted the nonprofit's efforts in the Eastgate community of the Village.
"We incorporated several groups, including corporate groups, that come out and help us fund our projects," Escortt Jr. said. "Additionally, they have been gracious to help our mission to revitalize the Eastgate community and help bring that community back to life."
Escortt Jr. explained that his organization has a home ownership program aimed at low-income people in the southland who can afford a mortgage through the program but do not qualify with traditional lenders. Applicants must meet specific income requirements. The goal is for them to build/rehab one to three houses per year in Park Forest, Lansing, and Sauk Village.
Escortt Jr. showed that Habitat for Humanity continued to work on several properties in the Eastgate community, where they do plumbing and electrical work. Additionally, volunteers have installed new HVAC systems and rehabbed many homes.
Earlier this week, the organization held a home dedication at 412 Wilshire, a celebration held after the build and before the family moves into their new home. They recognize all the hard work and dedication the family, volunteers, donors, and other supporters have put in over the years. Afterward, the new homeowners are given keys to the home at the ribbon ceremony.
Habitat for Humanity is preparing for its inaugural Rock the Block event, which will take place later this spring in the Eastgate Community. Thus far, they've raised more than $11,000, with the goal of reaching $60,000 to rehab three homes in the Village for future Habitat for Humanity homeowners. For more information on how you can donate, click here.
Escortt Jr. said the goal is to allow people to become homeowners.
"Our messaging is that we give a hand up and not a handout," Escortt Jr. said. "The families are still putting in the effort and the work; we're just giving them a shot at the American dream."