When Association House completed its last strategic plan in 2023, one need was heard over and over again: housing.
While Association House has rapidly expanded access to free and low cost mental health services and job training, the need for affordable housing has continued to increase. To truly live into our mission to advance each person’s full participation in community, we knew we needed to take action.
Earlier this year, we began conversations with LUCHA, a longtime partner organization and leader in affordable housing development. We wondered, “how might we do more, together?”
Through these conversations a plan emerged, and today, we are thrilled to announce a formal alliance approved by our boards in October. Through this alliance, LUCHA will be able to scale its innovative affordable housing development, backed by the strength of Association House. Community and client-based services, like housing counseling, legal assistance, and resident engagement will continue under the Association House umbrella, bringing a multitude of services to LUCHA residents and the wider community.
“LUCHA and Association House share common values, and we often serve the same clients. The more we talked, the more obvious the way forward became. Together, we have incredible potential to better serve our community,” explains Lillian Bui, Association House’s Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives.
“LUCHA and Association House of Chicago are both long-standing organizations that serve IL-03. I applaud all efforts to ensure they are both strong, sustainable institutions able to continue serving our community. I am grateful to the leadership of both organizations for their collaboration on this forward-looking effort,” said Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez.
“Coming out of the pandemic, it is more important than ever that nonprofits operate in a strategic manner. This partnership stabilizes operations in the quickly evolving affordable housing development space, while enhancing service offerings across the board,” explains Juan Carlos Linares, Association House’s President & CEO.
Notably, Juan Carlos previously served as Executive Director of LUCHA from 2013-2019, where he oversaw the award-winning Tierra Linda development. This expertise will prove invaluable as we plan our future together, as two organizations, operating in a strong alliance.
“For us, it’s always about the people. When an individual can access affordable housing in their own community, in the language they’re most comfortable speaking, and receive a full suite of wraparound services, lives change. That’s what this is all about,” adds Julie Rodriguez, Association House Executive Vice President.