About Us

Living Independently, Feeling Empowered

VISION

Why We Build

We envision an America, and more specifically an Illinois, where all persons with disabilities who desire to live independently, combined with the skills to do so, can find an accessible, affordable apartment.

VALUES

Who We Are

People matter and quality of life for our residents is the top priority
Our mission matters - Integrity and measurable impact are everything
We like what we do for a living
We seek diversity in our residents, staff, board, and stakeholders

Katie Miglore, Vice President OTR.

Near Term Goals

Fund, construct, and open two new apartment communities in Waukegan and Chicago
Redesign and rehabilitate our Evanston location
Rehabilitate our Lincoln Park Chicago location
Continue to search for suitable sites for development applications in 2023-24
Raise adequate funds for Resident Services through special events and other giving
Raise funds to purchase assistive technology devices to improve quality of life for residents
Continue to grow the LIFE Fund through private donations and smart investment policies

Long Term Goals

Grow OTR at a logical, sustained pace
Practice smart real estate development / New projects must pay for themselves including pre-development costs
Maintain a self-sustaining housing program through developer fees, management fees, and rents
Fund social services through private fundraising and special events, with non-dependence on state funding
Take a long term view with development of the OTR team

Why We Build

In 2016, there were 168,721 people with disabilities in Illinois living solely or primarily on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) of $773 per month
On average, a person with a disability receiving SSI would have to pay 122% of their monthly income to rent a one-bedroom apartment
In both 2015 and 2017, Illinois ranked 47th among the nation for how well the state supports those with intellectual and developmental disabilities