Last week, HODC was honored to welcome Illinois Congressman Brad Schneider to Zion Woods, our newest affordable housing community in Deerfield. His visit highlighted what happens when partners, neighbors, and leaders come together with a shared commitment: creating homes where families can thrive.
A Partnership That Builds Homes And Hope
Congressman Schneider was joined by longtime partners whose investments have helped make Zion Woods possible: Cassandra Slade, Senior Vice President of Community Impact at Wintrust; David Feldhaus, Senior Vice President and Director of External Affairs at Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago; and Sharon Gorrell, Assistant Vice President of External Affairs at Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago.
These partners have supported the vision of what housing can mean for people: stability, opportunity, and belonging.
Seeing Zion Woods Through the Eyes of Residents
The tour offered a glimpse into everyday life at Zion Woods:
Model Home – Congressman Schneider stepped into a thoughtfully designed apartment, where comfort and quality go hand-in-hand with affordability. These are the kinds of homes where parents can raise their children, where seniors can age with dignity, and where neighbors can put down roots.
Community Room – The group gathered in a welcoming space where birthday parties, holiday celebrations, and neighborhood events will unfold. It’s more than a room—it’s where friendships are formed and where residents can truly feel at home.
Community Garden – Perhaps the heart of Zion Woods, the garden is a place for fresh food, fresh air, and fresh connections. Residents tend the soil side by side, cultivating both vegetables and community spirit.
The Ripple Effect of Partnership
HODC Executive Director, Richard Koenig, and Director of Fundraising, Laura Youngberg, led the tour, providing insights into both the development process and the daily life of the Zion Woods community.
“When partners like Wintrust, and Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago come together, supported by elected officials like Congressman Schneider, the impact extends far beyond individual housing units,” said Richard Koenig, HODC’s Executive Director. “Each partnership creates a ripple effect – stable housing for families, stronger neighborhoods, and economic opportunity that benefits our entire region. Having our partners witness this transformation firsthand reinforces why these collaborations are so essential.”
As we continue to expand our impact in providing quality affordable housing throughout the region, partnerships like those with Wintrust and Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, along with support from leaders like Congressman Schneider, remain crucial to our success.
Zion Woods stands as a testament to what’s possible when we work together to ensure that everyone in our community has access to safe, affordable, and dignified housing.
Learn more about Zion Woods here.
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