Sertoma Star Services celebrated the opening of its newest residential living facility, Hamlin Avenue Apartments, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. The new permanent supportive housing building is located at 12000 S. Hamlin Ave., Alsip, IL.
Joining Sertoma Star Services President and CEO Kelly Berardelli and Board of Directors President Robert Straz, were Cook County Board of Commissioners President Toni Preckwinkle, Illinois State Representative Mary Gill, Village of Alsip Mayor John Ryan, and officials from the Illinois Housing Council, Illinois Housing Development Authority, and the Cook County Department of Planning and Development.
Watch the press conference: Ribbon Cutting at Hamlin Avenue Apartments
The Hamlin Avenue Apartments is a permanent supportive housing (PSH) development designed to help adults with disabilities live independently while receiving personalized support through programs offered by Sertoma Star Services. Residents will have access to services including social support and counseling, job training and employment assistance, and help with daily living activities such as grocery shopping and bill management.
Support for the development was provided by the Illinois Housing Development Authority, Cook County Department of Planning and Development, and the Housing Authority of Cook County.
“Every resident of Cook County deserves the opportunity to live with dignity, independence, and connection to their community,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. “By investing more than $1.7 million to developments like Hamlin Avenue Apartments, we are expanding supportive housing and ensuring that people with disabilities have access to the resources they need not just to live, but to thrive.”
“Developments like Hamlin Avenue Apartments address a real and growing need for affordable, accessible housing for people with disabilities,” said Straz, who also serves as mayor of Palos Heights. “This project gives residents the opportunity to live independently while staying connected to services and the community. It’s a strong example of what’s possible when local and state partners work together.”
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 Hamlin Avenue location was selected for its convenient access to grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants, parks, a library, recreation facilities, and public transportation, helping residents remain active and connected within the community.
The Alsip supportive housing community is the fourth such development for Sertoma Star Services, with buildings in Flossmoor, Homewood, and Orland Park.
Sertoma Star Services is a leading provider of programs and support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and those living with mental illness. Serving more than 2,000 individuals, the organization operates locations in Alsip, Chicago Heights, Crete, and Matteson, Illinois, with an office in Merrillville, Indiana. Through vocational, educational, therapeutic, and residential services, Sertoma Star Services empowers people ages 5 to 95 to achieve greater independence and meaningful inclusion in their communities. Learn more at sertomastar.org