History

In 1988, Housing Options founders successfully lobbied the City of Evanston to change local restrictive housing ordinances to make supportive housing an option in Evanston.

In 1992, Housing Options opened its first building, Home First. This six-unit building became home to nine residents.

In 1993, Housing Options launched the Supportive Housing and Information Program (SHIP), which provided housing for 12 individuals in fully-furnished apartments scattered throughout Evanston. Krieman House in honor of long time supporter Alice Krieman is opened.

In 1996, Claire House and Ganey House are purchased and opened. Claire House, named in honor of notable board member Claire McCarthy Peterson, houses six individuals and Ganey House, named in honor of notable board member Ray Ganey, houses four individuals.

In 1998, Housing Options celebrated its 10-year anniversary. Since its inception, the agency has provided permanent and transitional housing to over 70 individuals.

In 2000, Pathways, a permanent housing program for eight formerly homeless individuals, was launched, providing housing in fully-furnished apartments in scattered sites throughout Evanston.

In 2003, Gavin House named in honor of founding board member Larry Gavin is opened. Gavin House is specifically for older residents who experience mobility problems.

In 2005, Housing Options began providing in house social services. Prior to 2005, Housing Options contracted with another local social service agency to provide support services to our clients. Pathways Plus was launched,. providing housing for eight formerly homeless adults in fully-furnished apartments throughout Evanston.

In 2006, Housing Options receives a $1,000,000 donation from long-time supporters Dayle Duchossois and Ed Fortino to purchase a ten-unit building that would be home to 18 residents. The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) provided over $1,000,000 in financing to renovate the new acquisition. Housing Options began offering non-residential services to clients transitioning in and out of Housing Options’ residential programs because of the proven benefits of wrap around services to individual success.

In 2007, Housing Options renovates and opens Rose House..

In 2010, Housing Options began an evidence-based supportive work program called I-WORK. The program seeks to place participants into competitive positions that match their skills and interests. The program offers immediate job placement assistance, job training, and on-the-job support to its clients and is open to all Housing Options’ residents and non-residential clients.

Currently Housing Options owns six buildings, leases an additional 20 apartments scattered throughout Evanston and serves 80 clients.