An ever-growing number of Chicago region companies, as well as the grantors of two prestigious awards for local leadership, are recognizing the benefits of employer-assisted housing programs.
Many of us now take for granted the health insurance our employer provides, and assess new job opportunities in part by the health care package they offer. Even childcare, a newer benefit, is being offered more and more often by employers around the country.
What can an innovative employer do next to attract quality workers, and reward loyal employees?
How about providing them with housing as well?
Sound far-fetched? The Metropolitan Planning Council doesn't think so. Neither do an ever-growing number of companies in the region, not to mention the grantors of two prestigious awards for local leadership.
On Nov. 30, 2001, MPC announced that five companies and municipalities are launching new housing programs for their local workforces. Click here for details.
On Dec. 6, 2001, MPC Board Member King Harris will be receiving a Community Leadership Award from the Bank of America for his visionary employer-assisted housing initiative in St. Charles. Mr. Harris was the first CEO to launch an employer-assisted housing program in partnership with MPC and the Joseph Corporation, the local nonprofit housing agency in Aurora. A senior executive for Chicago Metropolis 2020, Mr. Harris has been an outstanding spokesperson and advocate among his peers for employer-assisted housing initiatives.
And on Dec. 7, 2001, MPC, the Joseph Corporation and the seven other community-based community-based partners in REACH, the Regional Employer Assisted Collaboration for Housing, will receive the BP Leaders Award in Community and Economic Development, which includes a $100,000 grant. Additional REACH partners include the Corporation for Affordable Homes in McHenry County, DuPage Homeownership Center, Interfaith Housing Development Corporation (Winnetka), Lake County Affordable Housing Corporation, Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago, the North West Housing Partnership and the South Suburban Housing Center.