Transitional and permanent housing in Chicago and Waukegan, Illinois
A chance to start over. A place to call home.
If you’re seeking a fresh start after poverty, addiction, mental health issues or a chronic health condition such as HIV/AIDS, success often begins with stable housing. The Ascension Illinois Housing and Health Alliance gives you more than a mailing address. We offer highly structured housing, independent permanent housing, transitional living environments and aftercare programs. Here, you’ll find a safe space for counseling, care and connection with others facing the same challenges as you.
Individuals are admitted regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, physical challenges/disability, or income. Clients have the right to nondiscriminatory access to services as specified in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42U.S.S 12101).
Do you qualify for transitional or permanent housing?
Eligibility requirements can vary depending on housing type, but we generally require residents to be:
- At least 18 years old
- Homeless or at risk of homelessness
- Diagnosed with a qualifying medical condition
- In recovery from active addiction and sober for a minimum of 45 days, OR
- Referred by a substance abuse inpatient program with 28 days of sobriety and a commitment to remain sober
Even if you do not meet all of the above requirements, we’d still like to talk to you and learn how we can help.
Contact us
Ascension Illinois Health Housing and Health Alliance
825 W. Wellington Ave.
Chicago, IL 60657
733-327-9921
Transitional housing
The Ascension Illinois Housing and Health Alliance’s recovery homes are licensed by the state of Illinois. You’ll start by personalizing a plan with an on-site case manager who will meet with you regularly. A certified alcohol and drug counselor (CADC) provides one-on-one and group recovery support in a sobriety-based living environment. Throughout, we can support you with occupational therapy, interfaith spiritual care and other services.
Bonaventure House
Chicago, IL (North Side)
773-327-9921
The Harbor
Waukegan, IL
847-782-8015
Bonaventure House and The Harbor bring together everything you need to build an independent life of your own: fully furnished private rooms, food and nutrition services, 24/7 staffing, a learning center and more.
Our residents foster a supportive family atmosphere and a strong sense of community as they help each other maintain recovery from addiction and substance use disorders. Bonaventure House’s Lakeview location also puts residents within comfortable distance of medical care, recovery services, employment opportunities and public transit.
Aftercare helps you stay independent
The first two years after you leave a transitional housing program can be difficult and increase your risk of substance use and homelessness. Talk to our care team about our aftercare program. Services include:
- Check-ins at least once every three months
- Emergency assistance to help pay for overdue utility bills, security deposits, books and school fees, and medication co-pays (first year after program completion)
- Support for your housing and health needs
Permanent housing
The Ascension Illinois Housing and Health Alliance’s permanent homes meet you where you’re at with harm reduction, a non-judgmental set of practical strategies that help reduce negative consequences of risky behaviors). We can also connect you with occupational therapy, interfaith spiritual care and other services.
Bettendorf Place
Chicago, IL (South Side)
If you’re a low-income adult with a qualifying disability, Bettendorf Place can give you a fully furnished permanent home where you’re treated as the expert in your own life. A fully renovated former convent, Bettendorf Place contains 23 studio apartments, common meeting spaces, an office for counseling, laundry facilities and a technology learning center.
Ascension Illinois Community Housing Program
Cook and Lake Counties
By providing rental subsidies, utility allowances (if needed), food vouchers, medication copays and more, the Ascension Illinois Community Housing Program helps those who are low-income and living with chronic illnesses avoid the homelessness and poverty that can make their challenges worse.
To be eligible for the Ascension Illinois Community Housing Program, you must be:
- Chronically homeless, as defined by HUD
- Have a diagnosed medical condition
- Be a single adult (18 years or older)
- Experiencing no or low income
- Willing to participate in case management services
Help us help others
There are many ways you can help the Ascension Illinois Housing and Health Alliance support people overcoming homelessness, chronic disease, disability and behavioral health conditions. Consider donating your time as a volunteer or making a gift through the Ascension Illinois Foundation.
Make a gift