Enola Dew Apartments for Senior Living
Habilitative Systems, Inc. (H.S.I.) exists to alleviate human suffering by developing and providing resources to promote maximum independence, personal responsibility and dignity for mentally, physically, socially and emotionally disabled persons. HSI began in 1978 as a dream of a small group of church folk. The agency has grown from four (4) programs to fifty (50) programs which serve over 7,000 persons annually in 14 sites on Chicago’s West and South sides. “Freeing the Human Spirit” is the all pervasive concept of the agency’s dedication to develop disadvantaged persons into capable, competent, contributing citizens.
H.S.I. engaged Valerie to develop a needs assessment and write the community involvement section of a comprehensive proposal to finance the Enola A. Dew Apartments with proceeds from a HUD Section 202 grant.
The needs assessment was used to establish the level of market demand for supportive housing for independent living senior citizens in the Austin community on Chicago’s west side. Valerie presented evidence demonstrating sustained effective demand for supportive housing for that population in the market area to be served; evaluated state and local data on the limitations in activities of daily living among the elderly in the area; assessed patterns for aging in place in existing assisted rentals; researched trends in demographic changes in elderly population and households; estimated the numbers of income eligible elderly households by size, tenure and housing condition; assessed the types of supportive services arrangements currently available in the area; and the use of such services as evidenced by data from local social service agencies or agencies on aging.
The Enola A. Dew Apartments were developed with significant community involvement. Valerie conducted a focus group discussion with tenants and members of the resident council; interviewed the president of a neighboring block club; administered a survey; and interviewed the local property manager and service coordinator. She convened community meeting, inviting local residents, tenants, members of the Chicago Police Department (community policing division), and representatives from community-based organizations. More than 40 people, most of whom were senior citizens–were in attendance. Data gleaned from these sources will be used to capitalize on opportunities to inform the design process and to be responsive to end-user needs to the fullest extent possible. Ms. Leonard created all the assessment tools and designed the questions for the focus groups and interview, and analyzed the data. It should be noted that this engagement was completed within an extremely tight time frame– less than 20 days. The client was awarded over $8,000,000 in federal funding. The $10,000,000 project was completed in the spring of 2011.
Click here to view all services.
Contact Valerie
