Chicago nonprofit to launch new free housing program for young women
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CHICAGO - illiNews -- Smith and her team at the Gyrls In The H.O.O.D Foundation (Healthy Optimistic Outstanding Determined) have launched H.O.O.D House to provide these two women ages 18-21 with an opportunity to secure free housing as they move to the next level of life.

H.O.O.D House is a transitional living residence that will provide residents with a completely furnished unit for a minimum of one year. Residents will not be required to pay rent during their stay, but they must be employed or actively seeking employment. The fully furnished unit includes complimentary Wi-Fi, on-site laundry, and access to wraparound support from community partners, including mental health services, financial literacy classes, higher learning assistance, and more.

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"Gyrls In The H.O.O.D Foundation is very proud to provide this service to a very vulnerable population," Smith said. "Youth homelessness is a serious issue in Chicago and we are proud to do this small part."

H.O.O.D. House is made possible with funding from the Chicago Foundation for Women along with the generosity of entrepreneur Amanda Henderson, who owns the property where H.O.O.D. House is located.

"We are so grateful for our incredibly generous partners, who share our vision to empower these young women," Smith said. "They are true champions for girls and women in this city."

Henderson said she was compelled to help after witnessing the positive impact on Gyrls in the H.O.O.D. to circumvent the challenges faced by homeless youth.

"We need more organizations like Gyrls in the H.O.O.D. to invest in our young women," she said. "I'll do anything I can to help Chez and this vision."

Learn more about the Gyrls in the H.O.O.D. Foundation and how to help expand the H.O.O.D. House program at https://www.gyrlsinthehood.com.