Habitat for Humanity Chicago Breaks Ground on Affordable Houses in Austin Neighborhood
Partners in the project include BMO, 37th Ward Alderman, Austin Coming Together, By The Hand Club For Kids
CHICAGO, April 8, 2025 – On the morning of Monday, April 7, Habitat for Humanity Chicago ceremonially broke ground to mark its inaugural development efforts in the Austin neighborhood. Over 50 community, governmental, and corporate partner representatives attended the groundbreaking event, committing to long-term financial and social investment in Austin.
“Inspired by our Purpose, to Boldy Grow the Good in business and life, BMO is committed to building stronger neighborhoods and healthier communities through partnerships with organizations like Habitat for Humanity Chicago that deliver help directly where it's needed most,” said Daniel Marszalek, Managing Director and Head of North American Specialty Segments, Commercial Bank, BMO. “This investment will drive real financial progress for Austin residents and the city of Chicago – when we support a thriving economy in our local communities, we all benefit.”
Speakers and notable guests at the groundbreaking event on Ferdinand Street included (in order of speaking program appearance):
- Chris Martinez, Chief Operating Officer, The Resurrection Project; Habitat Chicago Board of Directors member
- Jennifer Parks, Executive Director, Habitat Chicago
- Alderman Emma Mitts, 37th Ward
- Darnell Shields, Executive Director, Austin Coming Together
- Daniel Marszalek, Managing Director and Head of North American Specialty Segments, Commercial Bank, BMO
- Commissioner Ciere Boatright, Department of Planning and Development, City of Chicago
- Commissioner Lisette Castañeda, Department of Housing, City of Chicago
- Felicia Bullock, Chief Financial Officer, By The Hand Club For Kids
- Jessica Caffrey, Executive Director, Cook County Land Bank Authority
- Cook County Commissioner Tara Stamps, 1st District
“If we don’t get housing right, we don’t get anything else right,” Cook County Commissioner Tara Stamps emphasized in her groundbreaking event remarks. “If we don’t house our people and make it affordable, then the job fairs, the recovery programs, the recidivism rate, our children in crises—none of that ends if our people are not housed. This is the most essential, the most incredible work that we can be doing.”
Habitat Chicago recently acquired seven residential lots in Austin through partnerships with By The Hand Club For Kids and Cook County Land Bank Authority. These inaugural lots are the future sites of houses that will feature four-bedroom floorplans, two-car garages, energy-efficient appliances, and a wheelchair-accessible ground floor layout that includes wide hallways, a bathroom and bedroom, and no-step entry into the home. The pouring of foundations is expected to begin late spring/early summer this year, and construction of the first three houses on Lockwood will be completed in 2026.
“We are excited to expand our work to Austin, a vibrant neighborhood with many assets and incredible people doing good work,” stated Jennifer Parks, Habitat Chicago’s Executive Director. “Affordable homeownership creates the opportunity for wealth building at the individual level and market building at the community level. We are grateful for strong partners like BMO, Austin Coming Together, and By The Hand Club For Kids who all share in the vision of building thriving neighborhoods for all Chicagoans.”
All houses will be sold by Habitat Chicago through their Affordable Homeownership Program, a program where qualified homebuyers receive financial and homeownership education and pay no more than 30% of their gross income on their mortgage.
Anyone interested in purchasing a home through Habitat Chicago should complete a self-assessment at habitatchicago.org/self-assessment, and a Habitat Chicago staff member will follow up with more information.