Read Supportive housing project in Alsip to help those with disabilities live independently in the Daily Southtown, Monday, November 4, 2024 edition.

A short year following its merger of two respected human service agencies, Sertoma Star Services is announcing an expansion of its housing services to the community. On Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., Sertoma Star Services will have a groundbreaking ceremony at the location of its new permanent supportive housing unit at 12000 S. Hamlin Ave, Alsip, IL.

To mark the beginning of construction, Kelly Berardelli, President/CEO of Sertoma Star Services, and Robert Straz, Board of Directors President, will be joined by State Senator Bill Cunningham, State Representative Mary Gill, Village of Alsip Mayor John Ryan, Illinois Housing Council Executive Director Allison Clements, and officials from the Illinois Housing Development Authority and the Cook County Department of Planning and Development.

Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) increases housing opportunities for individuals with disabilities. This multi-family residence will allow adults with disabilities to live independently while receiving personal support through programs at Sertoma Star Services. Residents may receive social support and counseling, job training and placement, and assistance with grocery shopping and bill management.

Supporting the Hamlin Avenue PSH are the Illinois Housing Development Authority, the Cook County Department of Planning and Development, and the Housing Authority of Cook County.

“Housing programs like this project support the state’s efforts to remove obstacles to safe and affordable housing to improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities,” said Straz, who also serves as Mayor of Palos Heights.

The apartment-style complex features 20 one-bedroom and five two-bedroom units, each with its own kitchen, bathroom, and living space. The building will feature a community outdoor patio area, laundry room, secure entry, and on-site support services from Sertoma Star Services. The Alsip location on Hamlin Avenue is ideal due to its proximity to stores, pharmacies, restaurants, parks, a library, recreation facilities, and public transportation.

The Alsip Supportive Housing Unit will be the third such development for Sertoma Star Services. The first opened in 2016 in Homewood, IL, and the second in 2022 in Orland Park.

In October 2023, a merger of two long-standing organizations, Sertoma Centre, Inc., Alsip, and New Star, Chicago Heights, formed the not-for-profit agency Sertoma Star Services. It is a nationally accredited agency providing services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and those living with mental illness. Learn more at sertomastar.org.