President Preckwinkle, joined by Reverend Harry Roberts, President, Board of Directors of South Suburban PADS (Public Action to Deliver Shelter) and Mayor Welch of County Club Hills, cut the ribbon on their new Wellness Center in Country Club Hills, yesterday morning.

In her remarks, President Preckwinkle remembered that the group assembled had been at the ground breaking last year. She complemented PADS for over 20 years of developing supportive housing and that it takes a persistent effort of volunteers, staff, board and supporters for these types of projects to be built.

Herman Brewer, Bureau Chief for the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development also spoke about the County’s work as a partner with the project. Cook County contributed $3.97 million in HOME Investment Partnerships Program funding for construction and development. Thirty-one of the seventy-seven total units are specifically HOME-assisted. He reaffirmed the County’s commitment to providing affordable housing to low-income individuals and families most in need throughout suburban Cook County.

The Country Club Hills Wellness Center was 16 years in the making from vision to completion, and will be the first permanent supportive housing facility of its scale in the region. This brand-new five-story elevator building will include 77 apartments, all designed to house formerly homeless individuals and smaller families who seek self sufficiency. The innovative supportive housing development will have two wings. Apartments will include brand-new Energy Star appliances, air conditioning, high speed Internet access and window treatments. Each residential floor will include a 330 square foot lounge for residents, a laundry room and many security features. For more information, or to take a tour of the facility, please go to their website at: www.cchwellnesscenter.org