Over 100 Gather to Celebrate New Affordable Housing at Zion Woods
More than 100 people came together on June 26th in Deerfield to celebrate a powerful moment of community, compassion, and progress: the grand opening of Zion Woods Apartments, a new affordable housing community that is already changing lives.
Among the crowd were new residents, project partners, neighbors, and community leaders who helped make Zion Woods a reality. The energy was joyful, hopeful, and deeply moving.
Jenny, a new Zion Woods resident, welcomed the crowd to her new home with heartfelt words that captured the spirit of the day:
“If you don’t have safe housing, nothing else matters.”
Jenny’s remarks were a reminder of what was truly being celebrated: 25 safe and affordable homes are now available for individuals living with a disability and local families.
A Ribbon Cutting That Reflected Years of Partnership
The event featured speakers who helped bring Zion Woods from vision to reality:
- Richard Koenig, Executive Director, Housing Opportunity Development Corporation
- Pastor David Kyllo, Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church (retired)
- David Brint, Principal, Brinshore Development LLC
- Mayor David Shapiro, Village of Deerfield
- State Senator Julie Morrison, Illinois 29th District
- State Representative Bob Morgan, Illinois 58th District
- Hannah Cushing, Development Officer, Illinois Housing Development Authority
Together, they highlighted the importance of collaboration between government, faith communities, nonprofits, and advocates who worked together for over a decade.
A New Chapter for Deerfield
Zion Woods, located at 8 Deerfield Road, offers 25 high-quality, environmentally friendly apartments in a community where affordable housing options are scarce. This project stands as a symbol of what is possible when a community unites around shared values of inclusion, dignity, and opportunity.
The land was generously donated by Zion Lutheran Church. The project was developed by Brinshore Development and Housing Opportunity Development Corporation (HODC) and built by BCM Construction. It was designed by Eckhoff Saunders Architects and V3 Engineering. The vision was fueled by many partners, including the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA), National Equity Fund (NEF), Village Bank and Trust (Wintrust), the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, and local advocates.
Set in a beautiful natural environment, Zion Woods provides high-quality apartments with a large community garden, a play area for children, and peaceful green space where everyone can thrive.
As guests toured the apartments, explored the community room, and connected with new neighbors, the message was clear: Zion Woods shows what is possible when the community comes together to create something truly lasting, keeping a promise to individuals living with a disability and families who deserve a safe, welcoming place to call home.
Learn more about Zion Woods here.
