The City Council today approved financial measures to support a plan by Heartland Housing to stabilize and preserve a 32-unit affordable housing development in North Lawndale for persons living with HIV/AIDS .

The development, Heartland Phoenix House, a supportive living facility at 1251 S. Sawyer Avenue, provides on-site case management, medical assistance, mental health and/or substance abuse concerns and other services to persons living with HIV/AIDS, as well as formerly homeless individuals.

The City will provide a $1 million Multifamily Housing Loan to stabilize and preserve the property and complete future work necessary over the next 15 years. The City will also amend the existing redevelopment agreement to address the undeveloped vacant lots on the site for use as open space by the tenants until Heartland is able to complete the redevelopment.

Heartland acquired the property and assumed the mortgage and regulatory agreements from AIDSCARE III LP. As part of the agreement, Heartland will maintain the property as affordable housing for residents earning up to 50% of area median income. The agreement requires City Council approval because the facility’s development was partly financed using a $1.3 million multi-family loan from the Department of Housing. Heartland will assume the outstanding debt on the loan.

Founded in 1988, Heartland Housing is a leader in developing and managing affordable and supportive housing in the Midwest.

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