Some days remind you why this work matters.
On June 30, neighbors, community leaders, partners, supporters and residents gathered in Northbrook to celebrate the grand opening and ribbon cutting of Poupard Place. Even though temperatures climbed into the 90s, the heat couldn’t overshadow the excitement of opening the doors to a community that will provide stability, opportunity and a place to belong for generations to come.
The celebration marked the completion of HODC’s newest permanent supportive housing community—a place where families and individuals living with a disability can live independently, building their futures while remaining connected to the community around them.
Built Through Partnership
Poupard Place is proof that affordable housing is strongest when communities work together.
The celebration brought together the many people and organizations whose vision and partnership brought Poupard Place to life. Among those in attendance were Northbrook Village President Kathryn Ciesla, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, IL State Senator Julie Morrison, IL State Representative Tracy Katz Muhl, Cook County Commissioner Scott Britton, Christine Moran from the Illinois Housing Development Authority, representatives from the offices of Congressman Brad Schneider and Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, and the namesake of the building, Tom Poupard.
Smiles, conversations, tours of the new community and heartfelt remarks reflected years of collaboration that culminated in one unforgettable moment: cutting the ribbon and officially welcoming residents home.
“Poupard Place represents what can happen when a community chooses partnership over the fear of the unknown. A home can change the direction of a person’s life.“
Richard Koenig
Executive Director, HODC
Choosing Inclusion
Poupard Place offers 48 affordable apartments for individuals and families living with a disability, but its impact goes far beyond housing.
It is about creating opportunities. It is about belonging. It is about giving people the stability to put down roots and thrive.
The need for housing like this has never been greater. More than 1,200 people applied for just 48 apartments, a powerful reminder that affordable and supportive housing continues to be one of our region’s greatest needs.
“Poupard Place reflects what is possible when local government, nonprofit partners and community members come together with a shared purpose. We believe that everyone deserves an opportunity to live in a welcoming, including community and have a place that they can proudly call home.”
Kathryn Ciesla
President, Village of Northbrook
Investing in People
Every home at Poupard Place exists because people chose to work together.
The Village of Northbrook donated the land. Public agencies, private lenders, nonprofit organizations and community partners invested in the vision. Together, they created something that none could have accomplished alone.
Throughout the ceremony, speakers recognized the importance of continued investment in affordable housing throughout suburban Cook County.
“Northbrook has made this commitment, and Cook County’s investment reflects our pledge to supporting housing models that allow residents to live independently and with dignity.”
Toni Preckwinkle
President, Cook County Board
“If you are going to work in our communities, we should find a way that you could live in our communities.”
Scott Britton
Commissioner, Cook County Board
Looking Ahead
The community is named in honor of retired Northbrook Community Development Director Tom Poupard, whose vision and leadership helped pave the way to make this development possible. During the ceremony, he reflected on what he hopes Poupard Place represents—not only for today’s residents, but for future generations.
“Seeing this beautiful building gives me hope that residents here will thrive and become part of the fabric of the Village of Northbrook. I hope it inspires other communities to see inclusive, accessible housing simply as the way we care for one another.”
Tom Poupard
Community Development Director (retired), Village of Northbrook
Perhaps the best part of the day wasn’t the speeches or even the ribbon cutting.
It was seeing residents, neighbors, elected officials and supporters walking the halls together, touring the apartment that was staged by Designs For Dignity, eating cookies sponsored by Nicor Gas, imagining the future that will unfold here.
Poupard Place is becoming what it was meant to be. We are grateful to every partner, donor, volunteer, elected official and community member who helped make this day possible. Most of all, we celebrate the residents who now call Poupard Place home.
Watch the ribbon cutting ceremony below. (The official program begins at the 16:00 mark. Drag the video timeline to 16:00 to start there.)
