One day back in the‘60s, an angry mob of Chicago homeowners descended upon their alderman’s office in Rogers Park to discuss blockbusting, a ploy used by realtors to frighten people into selling their homes by spreading rumors that public housing projects were coming to their neighborhood. The realtors bought up properties cheaply this way, and then sold them quickly to minority buyers fueling more "panic" sales.
As tempers escalated at the gathering, one lone woman — in stark contrast to the prevailing sentiment of her neighbors — stood up and boldly voiced concern for those who might actually need the rumored public housing. To her, the issue of people needing basic shelter was of far greater importance than the anti-integration sentiments held by her neighbors.
The woman’s compassion deeply impressed a little girl in the room, who saw her as an angel wanting to help the less fortunate instead of shun them. "I’ll never forget that woman; she had so much courage. For her to have the guts to do what she did has always stuck with me," Jean Butzen reflects from her Uptown office as president of Lakefront Supportive Housing. "People tend to see the differences between us, but boy, there’s also a lot connecting us that we can tap into — and it’s powerful."
Passion Meets Purpose
Fast-forward to 1986, when newlywed Butzen — at this point a community organizer in Logan Square — wanted work that would leave her evenings free. She learned that a fledgling nonprofit agency, Lakefront SRO (for Single Room Occupancy, as it was called back then), needed help launching a new housing model for the homeless.
Lakefront was founded by social activist Doug Dobmeyer, who was committed to finding a sustainable alternative to merely "parking" people in church basements. New York’s emerging supportive housing projects impressed him, but he needed a hearty self-starter to get something similar up and running here.
At the time, Lakefront had no budget, no property, just one employee assisting Dobmeyer, and was $60,000 in debt. Butzen, meanwhile, had no experience in real estate and wasn’t a social worker, two key components of the model. But she was, as she is today, fervent about social justice and the plight of the homeless. "They took a risk on me and I took a risk on them," she recalls, and came on board as Lakefront’s first executive director in 1987. Her purpose and passion had plugged into a perfect outlet.
Beyond Bricks and Mortar
Life is a delicate balance of many variables. If one key aspect takes a blow — health or income, for instance, the whole structure can start crumbling. Erma Cannady, for example, says she endured a series of personal crises including being robbed of almost everything she owned, betrayal by friends, and getting hit by a car. "I was bounced around between all these agencies and programs: Public Aid, Social Security, Food Stamps. Each agency thought I was someone else’s problem." Cannady’s many attempts at fresh starts just weren’t "taking," sending her into ever-deepening despair, until she heard about Lakefront.
Now she not only has a stable home because of Lakefront, but is employed by the organization as well. She credits Butzen with positively affecting many lives: "Some people would do this as a job, but to Jean, it’s a commitment. Her ongoing energy for helping the homeless is inspiring."
Lakefront’s residential properties have on-site caseworkers connecting clients with what they need for their personal situations, so no one has to try to figure out the complex maze of social services on their own. The fact that this all happens under one roof for consistent support is key to their success and their model is ever-evolving. The newest building in the South Loop integrates 207 studio apartments, a job training and employment center, and a social services staff. Community activities abound, helping residents to stay active, encouraged, and connected. Even its bright, contemporary atmosphere evokes the promise of new beginnings. Lakefront’s next project focuses on apartments and services for at-risk families (rather than individuals) and will utilize some "green" elements in its construction.
When Butzen began this work, no one even knew what supportive housing was and now great strides are being made, locally and nationally. "If people knew that resources like ours existed — that it’s cheaper than doing nothing about homelessness, they would understand that we really could solve the problem of homelessness in this country. It’s really, really doable."
Everyone’s Victory
Butzen’s dedication is unwavering. She genuinely likes people, politics and even fundraising. She loves seeing people become safe and healthy or finally able to put their dreams into place — often for the first time in their lives. Her style is extremely warm and hands-on: she regularly visits clients on site to hear their stories and applaud their victories. "Every day I come in and see all the people living in housing who in the past have not had these resources. It’s very clear to me every day why I go to work; I never question it."
Laurie Pentell is a Chicago-based writer and founder of Sageheart Alliance, a resource-sharing community for cultural creatives. Visit the Web site www.sageheart.com.
Get More Info:
For contributions, volunteering (tutors always needed), job opportunities or business/religious organization support: Lakefront Supportive Housing, 4946 N. Sheridan Road, Chicago, IL 60640; 773-561-0900