Hope Hall has been home to many Veterans, and a place of solace, hope, and support for nearly a decade. Hope Hall is a sanctuary where Veterans find understanding and a path forward from the difficult challenges they may be facing in their lives. The team at Hope Hall isn’t just there to provide basic care; they go above and beyond, ensuring that each resident feels valued and supported on their journey to recovery. One of the ways Hope Hall fosters this sense of community and healing is through their monthly outings, designed to bring joy and normalcy back into…

Dan came to VOA Illinois earlier this year when he was connected to our SPACES team (Suicide Prevention & Community Education Services). Dan was connected to a peer support specialist because he was experiencing depression and anxiety and was at risk of suicide. Our SPACES team found out Dan’s depression and anxiety were being exacerbated by his housing. Dan was going through many trials with his landlord. Dan reported his landlord was behaving in a hostile manner; both in words and demeanor, and his landlord was failing to keep his home safe and sanitary. Dan tried to connect with local…

Deanna and her family came to VOA Illinois’ Rapid-Rehousing program in September of 2023 during a period of housing instability. When we met Deanna, she was staying in a shelter with her partner and her two children, and was about to step away from work in preparation for the birth of her next child. At that time, Deanna told us about her ambitions to enter the culinary world and build her career as a chef in order to better support her family. Despite their situation, Deanna and her partner Santiyon were positive and motivated about their future. Our Rapid Rehousing…

Latrice was the very first person to enter our Housing is Recovery program, serving individuals at high-risk of homelessness or institutionalization with the support they need in order to lead independent, productive, healthy lives. Latrice has shown resilience, strength, and perseverance throughout her time in the Housing is Recovery program thus far. Latrice is a single mother, with a soon-to-be 13 year old son. Latrice was a victim of domestic violence, and largely depended on the support of her sister and mother for the past two years. Her journey took an arduous turn when she was in a serious car…

Director Michelle Flagg is the President and Founder of Redacre Solutions. Redacre Solutions was established in 2016 to provide right-of-way land acquisition, leasing, title research, zoning, permitting, project management, and regulatory compliance services. In addition to having a small business, Michelle is Transportation Counsel for the Illinois Commerce Commission. Ms. Flagg is a graduate of the University of Illinois College of Law, and has a Bachelor of science in Computer Science from Spelman College.

Director Steven Hunter is an award-winning executive, whose servant leadership has been at the center of a distinguished professional career spanning two decades.  Many of his corporate achievements have come under McDonald’s Golden Arches, where Steven rose from restaurant crewmember to global management.  In his current role at McDonald’s, Steven is the US DEI Director for the Global Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion office.  Here he serves as an inclusion leader responsible for advancing people strategies for our US based employees, strengthening corporate and community partnerships around the world, and designing innovative talent engagement initiatives to enhance the McDonald’s experience and…