One day when Albert was playing with his grandchild, he tripped and fell down a flight of stairs. He developed a deep bruise on his back but didn’t go to the doctor initially, thinking the bruise would go away on its own. But when his pain kept getting worse, Albert went to the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago’s main hospital-based facility for veterans. In addition to helping Albert with his pain, the doctors at the VA ran tests and found that he suffered from cirrhosis of the liver, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Additionally, Albert’s kidneys were only working at 75 percent capacity. Because of these health conditions, Albert stayed at the VA on and off for a while, causing him to lose his apartment. At one point, he got sick enough that he had to stay at the VA for almost a month. When he became stable, the VA referred him to The Boulevard of Chicago to fully heal.

When Albert arrived at The Boulevard of Chicago in April 2023, he received medical care, group counseling, and comprehensive case management support.

“It really did wonders for me,” said Albert when asked about The Boulevard’s medical respite care program. “It helped me get myself together and get back on my feet.”

Yolanda Purkett, Albert’s case manager at The Boulevard of Chicago, was able to get him a housing voucher through the rental aid program HUD-VASH, aka the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing program. With this voucher, Albert was able to secure permanent housing here in Chicago. In November 2023, Albert moved into his new apartment, right down the street from his mom.

When asked what he would say to a potential Boulevard resident, Albert said, “If you’re really serious about getting on track and getting yourself together, The Boulevard is a good place to go. It’ll help you a lot. But the thing is, you got to want to do it. You got to have a focus and you can’t just depend on your case manager to do all the work for you. Because they’re going to help you every way they can, they’re going to bend over backwards to help you, but you got to help yourself.”

During Albert’s time as a resident at The Boulevard, he started to volunteer in the laundry room, wanting to give back in any way he could. He enjoyed the work a lot and got along well with The Boulevard staff. When a housekeeping/resident care assistant position became available, Thaddeus Williams, The Boulevard’s substance abuse counselor, and Albert’s former case manager Yolanda encouraged him to apply. In June 2024, Albert joined The Boulevard, this time as an employee.

“I’m just so grateful for the opportunity that they gave me, to be employed here. I was hurt bad and I didn’t know it, but it all worked itself out, so I’m happy.”

Before she was referred to The Boulevard, Troy was experiencing homelessness and staying on and off with friends and family for over two years. She was living in an environment of instability and drugs. Troy wanted to get better for her fiancé and her kids. “I didn’t want to be a burden to my family,” she said. “And I needed to get straight for me.”

When Troy arrived at The Boulevard, she received medical care, individual and group counseling for her substance use disorder, and comprehensive case management support. With the help of The Boulevard’s staff, Troy says, “I got the drugs out of my system – and I haven’t touched any since.” While still living at the House, Troy worked in the kitchen and the laundry room, wanting to give back however she could. 

When Troy was ready, The Boulevard’s housing advocates worked with her to develop an individualized service plan and assisted in matching her to permanent supportive housing. After almost a year at The Boulevard, Troy moved into her first apartment. When she proved to herself that she was stable, she moved back in with her fiancé. In 2021, Troy and her fiancé bought a five-bedroom house on Chicago’s South Side. They excitedly hosted their entire family for the first time that holiday season.

“I’m so appreciative of the folks at The Boulevard, because if it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be alive today,” Troy said. “All I needed was a little help and The Boulevard gave me that push.”

Ever since Delores was in the fourth grade, she knew that she wanted to be a nurse when she grew up. She achieved her dream after attending junior college, receiving her License in Practical Nursing (LPN).  Delores worked as an LPN for 15 years, and she and her husband raised three boys and a girl on the South Side of Chicago. After 15 years of marriage, she and her husband divorced.

It was Delores’ ultimate career goal to become a Registered Nurse (RN), as well as obtain a degree in business. She worked hard to complete the prerequisites to be accepted into an RN program. However, in 2009, Delores began experiencing mental health problems and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. For five years, Delores lived in a nursing home to help her stabilize her mental health, receiving medication for her bipolar disorder.  

After leaving the nursing home, Delores received disability income (SSDI) for her bipolar disorder diagnosis. She was able to go back to work as an LPN and lived in an apartment on Chicago’s South Side.

In 2019, Delores’ work started cutting back hours and she eventually lost her job. Soon, she was unable to afford her rent, and lost her home. She started riding trains and buses overnight to stay warm.

“I was scared,” Delores said. “I stayed close to hospitals and churches. They were the only safe places. I also went to warming centers. I slept at bus stops, on trains and on buses for one year.”

Delores went to Northwestern Memorial Hospital to seek help. The doctors found that she had high blood pressure. She also needed her bipolar medication, which she had stopped taking when she had become homeless.

“I didn’t want to tell my children because I didn’t want them to see me that way,” Delores said. “I didn’t want to burden them.”

Northwestern Memorial Hospital referred Delores to The Boulevard in February 2021. Delores met with medical professionals at The Boulevard’s onsite clinic, run in partnership with PCC Community Wellness Center. They monitored her blood pressure and for any illnesses. She received her medication through the onsite medication dispensary.

“I asked God to open doors for me,” Delores said. “He heard. He made a way for me.”

Not only did Delores receive medical care, but she also received individual and group counseling for her mental health and behavioral health needs. The Boulevard provided her with a safe place to sleep each night and three meals a day. 

Through her dedicated case manager, Delores was able to get her birth certificate, social security card, Link card and more. Her case manager also helped her to manage her doctor’s appointments and The Boulevard provided Delores with transportation to get to all of them. Delores also attended many educational group sessions at The Boulevard. These group sessions focused on budgeting, life-skills training, and more.

In July 2021, Delores was at The Boulevard during the fire that broke out on the east side of the building, where the program offices were located.

“I smelled smoke. I knew something was burning,” Delores said of that day. “I saw black smoke from my window in my room. I thought the building was going to blow. I heard a hissing sound and then there was an explosion. It was from the roof.”  

The Boulevard staff safely evacuated everyone from the residential facility. Thankfully no one was injured in the fire. The Chicago Fire Department extinguished the fire and when it was safe and secure, they allowed residents to return to their rooms, which were unaffected by the fire.

The fire was a traumatic experience for The Boulevard’s residents, who work hard to address their own personal challenges with trauma. The Boulevard’s dedicated staff were there helping residents 24/7, providing compassionate care and support. Although the program offices of the residential facility were destroyed, the comprehensive programs and services to residents continued without interruption.

The Boulevard’s Workforce Development Program was most helpful to Delores. Although Delores worked as an LPN for 15 years, she needed to renew her license because it had expired. To renew her license, she had to complete 20 CEU hours (Continuing Education Units). Workforce Development case manager Angela Daniels guided Delores through the process. Delores completed the CEUs and was able to renew her license. She plans to work as an LPN while going back to school to earn a business degree, as well as apply to nursing programs to become an RN.

“This experience has made me stronger,” Delores said. “I thought that I would never be able to do it. But then I thought, ‘I’m not going to give up.’”

Delores also received support with finding permanent supportive housing through The Boulevard’s Housing program. Housing advocate Kenyiel Sharp assisted Delores through the process. Together, Kenyiel and Delores found a suitable place for her to safely live on Chicago’s South Side. Soon, she was able to move into her new home. The Boulevard provided Delores with critical items for her home, like a bed and bedding, pots and pans, dishes, cleaning supplies and a computer for her to continue with her studies.

In her new home, Delores said, “I feel relieved. The Boulevard helped me to get back on solid ground.” 

Carmen and her husband raised five boys in Parkway Gardens on the South Side of Chicago. On August 25, 2010, their son, Laverich, who was just 21 years old, was shot and killed outside of their home. Because of the trauma she experienced, Carmen stayed in the house and was afraid to go outside. She began having difficulty with ongoing panic attacks.

In 2015, Carmen’s husband passed away. Around this time, she also lost two sisters, a brother and a nephew. Then, Carmen lost her home. The extreme loss was too much for her. “I was very depressed,” she says.

Because of her chronic hypertension, COPD, depression and anxiety, Carmen has had to rely on a portable oxygen tank to regulate her breathing. In 2021, Carmen ended up at Northwestern Memorial Hospital because of medical difficulties. After she was released, Northwestern Memorial Hospital referred Carmen to The Boulevard.

At The Boulevard, Carmen receives medical respite care through the onsite medical clinic, which is run in partnership with PCC Community Wellness Center. She also receives individual and group counseling.

“I’m terrified of COVID because I have respiratory problems that would complicate things for me,” Carmen said. “The nurses explained to me how to stay safe. They make us all feel safe.”

“They make me feel comfortable. They have concern about my health and well-being,” Carmen said about The Boulevard’s staff. “They gave me the answers to what I needed to know.”

On July 7, 2021, not long after Carmen arrived at The Boulevard, a fire broke out on the east side of the building where the program offices were located.

Areanda Robinson, manager of the Health & Housing Outreach Team, was working late that night. “Something told me to stand up. I turned and looked out the window and saw smoke and fire,” Areanda said. “I thought, ‘Oh my God, we have to get out of here!’”

Areanda was the only manager there that night with three other staff members. “We worked together, collectively, to get everyone out of the building safely,” Areanda said. “I was the last one to leave because I wanted to make sure that everyone got out.”

Carmen evacuated with all the residents. “When we got outside, we saw all the smoke and saw the roof was on fire,” Carmen said. “I was terrified.”

“I walked across the street. I realized that I could have died in the fire or from the smoke. But I didn’t,” she said. “Then, my oxygen fell and broke. Usually, I would have a panic attack. But I didn’t.”

Areanda said that while she and other staff walked around to make sure that the residents were okay, she noticed that Carmen’s oxygen tank had broken.

“I was concerned about Carmen and let her know that she could be seen by one of the paramedics who were there on the scene,” Areanda said.

The Chicago Fire Department arrived and worked to put out the fire. There were several paramedics available in case of a medical emergency.

“I was blessed that day – somebody had me,” Carmen said. “It was a lesson to me that I can overcome my fears. It made me feel like I can do more.”

Staff members who had gone home for the day heard about the fire and came back to help. Neighbors from around the community came out to ask how they could help. Some neighbors brought out chairs so residents could sit down.

After the Chicago Fire Department extinguished the fire and made sure that the building was secure, they allowed residents to return to the residential side of the building that was unaffected by the fire.

The staff helped residents back into the facility. They bought pizza and soda so residents could be together. Staff stayed with residents to comfort them until they felt safe and secure.

Since the fire, Carmen has continued to work on her health stabilization and confidence. She also began meeting with the Workforce Development team to prepare to take her GED exam.

“I want to be able to work again,” Carmen said. “I’ve worked in housekeeping at a hotel, I’ve worked in home care, and I was a security guard.”

Carmen is also working with The Boulevard’s housing advocates to find permanent supportive housing.

“My hope is to have a place for my sons to come home to for the holidays,” Carmen said.

Gene grew up with his five sisters in the Englewood community on Chicago’s South Side. After high school Gene went into the Army. He completed basic training and then received a medical honorable discharge.  

Work was always important to Gene. His first job was as a newspaper delivery boy. Gene remembers making $10 per week.

His work ethic was most likely influenced by his father, who worked for Wisconsin Steel Works, International Harvester for 31 years. Gene was also employed by Wisconsin Steel Works as a maintenance worker.

Gene worked for The Chicago Board of Education for 18 years. He held various positions, including security guard, tool keeper and maintenance worker.

For 15 years, Gene worked for a man who ran a rubbish removal business. He held this position until the owner suddenly passed away. Gene was without work and then he became homeless.

Gene tried to continue working. He picked up cans and metal items to recycle, receiving $6 to $8 per day. For eight years, Gene lived in an abandoned building with no electricity, gas or running water.

The winters were brutal for Gene. In December 2020, his feet turned black after becoming frostbitten. A friend took him to the Veterans Administration Medical Center. Gene found out he was suffering from gangrene. The doctors at the VA had to amputate six toes. They removed all of Gene’s toes from one foot and one toe from his other foot.

After Gene’s surgery, he had no place to recover. The VA referred him to The Boulevard.

“God gave me the direction to get here,” says Gene.

“I came here after my surgery. And nurse Dorothy changed my bandages every three days,” Gene continues. 

“They took me back to the hospital to get my stitches out and for all my follow-up appointments.”

At The Boulevard, Gene received medical respite care and support through an array of holistic programs and services. He received specialized care from a team of doctors and nurses at the onsite health clinic, which is run in partnership with PCC Community Wellness Center.

Each day, Gene was able to recover from his surgery, improve his health and regain stability in his life. He received three nutritious meals, a safe place to sleep at night and a dedicated case manager who helped him to access the resources he needed to move forward in his life.

"The Boulevard is good for anyone who wants to accept help,” says Gene. 

“This place helps you to get back on your feet. I went to group classes and learned how to budget. I learned how to be disciplined.”

On Mondays, during the spring, summer and fall, Gene worked to maintain The Boulevard’s vegetable garden together with other residents and volunteers from the community. They grew fruits and vegetables that were used in the kitchen to prepare meals for the residents.

Last July, The Boulevard experienced a devastating fire that destroyed the east side of the residential facility where the program offices were located. The Boulevard staff worked together to evacuate the residents from the building. Thankfully, no one was injured in the fire.

It was a terrifying experience for everyone. However, it was especially concerning for many of the residents who rely on the use of wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, and canes to get around.

During this time, Gene was using a wheelchair and a cane. The staff helped him and the other residents to evacuate the building safely.

“During the fire, we helped each other,” says Gene. “The staff brought the buses around so we could stay warm and sit down.”

After the Chicago Fire Department extinguished the fire and made sure that the building was secure, they allowed residents to return to the residential side of the building that was unaffected by the fire. The staff helped residents back into the facility. They bought pizza and soda so residents could be together. Staff stayed with residents to comfort them until they felt safe and secure.

In the weeks and months that followed, The Boulevard staff adjusted their schedules, shared office space, and worked remotely. Because of these changes, the programs and services provided to residents continued without interruption.

Gene worked with his case manager and housing advocates to access all the necessary documents required to move into permanent supportive housing.

“They helped me to get my ID, social security card, Link card,” says Gene. “They helped me to get everything for housing. They found me a place in Englewood. I’m back in my old neighborhood.”

The Boulevard helped Gene to secure a one-bedroom apartment in Englewood. He received everything he needed to get started in his new home, including a bed, bedding, pots and pans, dishes, cleaning supplies, and more.

Gene is now on a positive path toward restoring his health and rebuilding his life.

“God sent me to The Boulevard,” says Gene.

For 37 years, Lloyd worked at H. Kramer & Co., a metal recycling and refinery company in Chicago. Lloyd enjoyed his job. He worked in the furnace department, in the warehouse and then in shipping and receiving.

“I worked there from 1981 to 2018, and that’s when alcohol interfered with my job,” Lloyd said.

Lloyd suffers from alcoholism. Because of his addiction, Lloyd not only lost his job, but he also lost his home and his relationships. He lost everything. His adult children remained living with their mother and Lloyd left with nothing. He went to live with family. However, that was only a temporary solution.

After his procedure, Lloyd had no place to go to recuperate, so Rush referred him to The Boulevard. In October 2020, Lloyd came to The Boulevard where he received medical respite care and support. Through The Boulevard’s holistic programs and services, Lloyd was able to recover from his surgery, as well as address his addiction with alcohol and other challenges that were causes of his homelessness.

“Through the grace of God, I wound up at The Boulevard,” Lloyd said. “It was a blessing. I didn’t have anywhere else to go. I didn’t have insurance. I didn’t have anything.”

At The Boulevard’s onsite health clinic, which is run by PCC Community Wellness Center, Lloyd received specialized care from the medical team of doctors and nurses. The medical professionals at The Boulevard followed up with the Rush medical team. They monitored his medication and high blood pressure.

“The doctors and nurses help me with whatever medical needs I have,” Lloyd said. “I couldn’t see very well when I got there. I wore glasses for 20 years. I couldn’t afford to get glasses when I was homeless. They made an appointment for me with an eye doctor who said that I had cataracts in both eyes. I had cataract surgery at St. Mary’s Hospital. The Boulevard made sure I went to all of my appointments. They provided transportation to appointments and to and from surgery. Now, I don’t need glasses anymore. I have 20/20 vision."

Lloyd also worked through The Boulevard’s Behavioral Health program, which provides counseling and support with behavioral health professionals. Lloyd worked one-on-one with Thaddeus Williams, Substance Abuse Counselor, to address his addiction with alcohol.

“This October will be one year since I had my last drink,” Lloyd said. “I’m taking it one day at a time. I’m getting the help I need to find coping skills, so I don’t relapse.”

In addition, Lloyd has been working with Angela Daniels, Workforce Development Case Manager, to find employment. Angela has helped Lloyd write his resume and find job opportunities.

“She set up an interview with Hostess, and I got the job. I work in packaging. I love it,” Lloyd said. “Right now, my goals are to keep this job and to get a place of my own."

Lloyd is working with Kenyiel Sharp, Housing Advocate, to help him secure permanent supportive housing.

“I need proof of income to get housing,” Lloyd said. “I just received my first check from work so I’m going to go open up a bank account to start saving.”

“I’m working toward getting an apartment to show my kids,” Lloyd continued. “I have two children, seven grandchildren and one on the way. My kids are proud of me. They know my final goal is to get and maintain housing.”

Over the past year, while Lloyd worked on his health stabilization and recovery, The Boulevard continued to manage the emergency measures it put in place to protect the health and safety of all its residents from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“During COVID-19 I’ve felt safe,” Lloyd said. “I wear a mask and we stay six feet apart. They also provided me with the COVID vaccine.”

On the night of July 7, 2021, The Boulevard staff was there to keep residents safe when a fire broke out and destroyed the east side of the building where the program offices were located.  

“The night of the fire, we were watching TV and we heard the fire alarm,” Lloyd recalled. “Staff went to each room, and they said, ‘This is not a drill, this is a real fire.’ The first thought in my mind was, ‘Where am I going to go now?’ I hadn’t started working.”

“The staff made sure that everyone got out safely,” Lloyd said. “When we got outside, we could see the blaze and smoke on top of the building. We thought the whole thing was going to burn. It was a big blaze. People around the neighborhood were out looking at it. Luckily, everyone made it out and no one was harmed.”

“The fire department put the fire out and then determined that the building was safe,” Lloyd said. “The staff assured us that we were safe. They bought pizza and pop and made sure that everyone was okay.”

“What do I think about The Boulevard? One word – a ‘Blessing.’”

“He always helps me. He helped me to get my birth certificate, social security card, state ID and all the document I will need for housing,” Shaun says. “He’s nice to talk to. He’s a nice person to have in my corner.”

Pedro is also working with the housing advocacy team at The Boulevard to help Shaun access housing opportunities. Through a partnership with the City of Chicago and All Chicago, The Boulevard is able to help individuals secure housing through the Rapid Re-Housing and Expedited Housing Initiative. Through this program, a housing opportunity was identified and an apartment was secured for Shaun in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood.

Shaun is excited to move into his new home. “I’m very blessed,” he says. He also says he can’t wait to start cooking for himself again.

When he thinks about his time at The Boulevard, he says, “They helped me grow as a man.” They provided a roof over my head and they gave me security. The people truly care about me.”

“Without The Boulevard, I would be homeless and hungry.”