On Oct. 18, Chicago House held a 40th Anniversary Party at Epiphany Center for the Arts, 201 S. Ashland Ave. 

The event started with a VIP reception in the Center’s lower-level art gallery, The Sanctuary, and evolved into a full-scale dance party with Moose the DJ spinning beats and a spectacular performance from Circuit Mom. 

On top of the glamourous evening, Chicago House CEO Michael Herman, along with Chicago House Board of Trustees Chair Lindsay Gaskins, announced  the Aging in Place Campaign, a radical shift in focus for the organization.

Herman said at the top of the evening, “We’re seeing it through…the work we began.”

He added, “Chicago House is only a spectacular organization because we are people who take care of people.”

Herman said of his scarlet suit: “People in the ‘80s wore red ribbons (for AIDS awareness)…tonight I wore this suit not only because I love it but because we need to know that AIDS has not gone away.”

Herman spoke about Chicago House’s mission and commitment to building 30 units of housing for homeless youth as well as its new campaign aimed at retrofitting older properties with the aid of WJW Architects.

From left_ Dave Barta, unidentified, Michael Herman, and John Peller Photo by Vern Hester

Nabeela Rasheed, center and friends Photo by Vern Hester

According to the brochure for the campaign, “People over 50 living with HIV experience ‘advanced aging.’ Even with well-controlled HIV, the virus can still cause persistent inflammation which accelerates and increases the risk of age-related diseases, including cardiac issues and cancers. Additionally, long-term drug interactions can have impacts on vital organs leading to heart disease, diabetes, and kidney issues. Older adults with HIV may face challenges like stigma, isolation, and limited social support, which can affect mental health and treatment adherence.”

Chicago House provides services for more than 800 clients over the age of 50, including nearly 40% of residential clients. 

The goal for the campaign is to raise $2.1 million.

Circuit Mom and friends Photo by Vern Hester

  Herman closed by saying, “It’s a tough time for Chicago House and many of our partners…but you need to know back in 1985 things were no different. We will not walk away.”

Sponsors for the Chicago House 40th anniversary party include Sagin, Gilead, Ameriprise Financial, Lakeside Bank, Medina Rx, Comcast NBC Universal, GCM Grosvenor and Quatrrox Business Support Services.

Circuit Mom onstage Photo by Vern Hester

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