Misty was just 29 years old when she was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. Since then, her medical condition has progressively worsened. She has battled thyroid cancer, strokes, depression and bariatric surgery. During this time, Misty was forced to leave her family home after her mother died. She relied on friends for a place to live, which only furthered her need for stability. But Misty kept fighting.
After an extensive stay at Loyola University Medical Center, Misty began her journey with Housing Forward. Her hospital social worker knew she needed a stable place to heal and referred Misty to Sojourner House, one of two Medical Respite Programs operated by Housing Forward and our hospital partners. Misty confesses that if Sojourner House had been unavailable, she would have needed to recuperate in the hospital full time. As she admits, “batteries and a plug” are the life-saving devices she needs to keep her heart pumping.
Misty’s journey from housing crisis to housing stability was secured with her recent move to Broadview Legacy Apartments, Housing Forward’s new permanent supportive housing development that opened in May. When asked how she feels about her new, fully furnished, apartment, she says emphatically, “I love it here!” Her next steps are a surgery to remove excess skin after her loss of over 200 pounds and getting onto the heart transplant list. Working with her case manager, Misty believes there is hope for a happy, stable life while maintaining her health.
Housing Forward
Housing Forward is passionately focused on one vision – ending homelessness.
Housing Forward is a recognized leader in suburban Cook County offering a coordinated response for people experiencing a housing crisis to quickly resolve their situation. We believe in bold, comprehensive approaches to prevent homelessness whenever possible, respond to people in housing crises, and create stability through permanent housing for the most vulnerable members of our community. Each year we assist more than 2,000 individuals and families with comprehensive, wrap-around support from the onset of a financial or housing crisis to its resolution.
To learn more, donate, or to get involved, visit housingforward.org, email development@housingforward.org, or call 708.338.1724