State Representative Al Riley Attends Groundbreaking Ceremony

Sertoma Centre Breaks Ground on New Supportive Housing Project

HOMEWOOD, IL - Sertoma Centre, Inc. broke ground on June 11 for Kimball Court Apartments, a permanent supportive housing development in Homewood.

Gus van den Brink, executive director of Sertoma Centre, Inc., and Board President, Bob Straz, joined officials from the Illinois Housing Development Authority, Housing Authority of Cook County and the Village of Homewood to celebrate the next steps in bringing this development to fruition.  Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) Development Program was created to increase housing opportunities for individuals with disabilities.  The program supports the state’s efforts to remove obstacles to safe and affordable housing to improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities.

“Permanent Supportive Housing combines apartment-style housing with personal care and other health and wellness services to allow the resident to live independently while emphasizing their personal choice, dignity, privacy and individuality,” said van den Brink.  “We are thrilled to be able to offer this option for individuals in the south suburbs. This day would not have been possible without our partners.”

This 16-unit development was financed in part by the Illinois Housing Development Authority, Cook County HOME program, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Development, the Housing Authority of Cook County and Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Mental Health.  Supportive housing helps people live stable, successful lives through a combination of affordable, permanent housing and supportive services, appropriate to the needs and preferences of the residents.

 “Governor Pat Quinn believes that all individuals with disabilities deserve the opportunity to live independently,” Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) Executive Director Mary R. Kenney said. “Governor Quinn is the first leader in Illinois history to dedicate state capital funds - $50 million in total - to create affordable housing, of which $3 million has been committed to finance the construction of Kimball Court.”

The apartment complex includes one and two bedroom units as well as studio apartments.  In addition to the apartments, the three-story building contains a community room, fitness area, laundry facility and reading room.

Construction is expected to be complete by summer of 2015.

Sertoma Centre, Inc., is a not-for-profit organization with facilities in Alsip and Matteson providing programs and services for individuals with developmental disabilities and/or mental illness. They also provide residential housing for individuals with disabilities in 10 Community Integrated Living Arrangements (CILA) homes in several south suburban communities.  Started in 1971 by three local Sertoma Clubs, Sertoma Centre serves more than 725 individuals annually. For more information about Sertoma Centre, Inc. visit www.sertomacentre.org.