Chicagoland Habitat for Humanity

“A father is neither an anchor to hold us back, nor a sail to take us there, but a guiding light whose love shows us the way.” - Unknown

Happy Father’s Day to all the men that have made a difference in our lives. This is a day to recognize the fathers and father figures who have influenced us - because every parent wants a safe, secure future for their children.

👨🏽👱🏼‍♂️🧔🏾👴🏽 ❤️

Join us in celebrating this weekend also know as Freedom day. May our work always be a place of reflection, action and solidarity. 🙏🏾

"We know that this work is bigger than construction; it's about partnership. People showing up for one another—residents, volunteers, funders, and neighbors all working side by side. Because this kind of impact only happens when a community builds it together." ~Jen Parks

Three new houses. Three first-time homebuyers. Many community partnerships and supporters. Check out the photos from our Austin ribbon cutting event on Tuesday, June 16: https://bit.ly/4vPNc1A

Huge thanks to our special guests for their support: Illinois Representative La Shawn K Ford, Chicago Department of Housing Commissioner Lisette Castañeda, 37th Ward Alderman Emma Mitts, Felicia Bullock of By The Hand Club For Kids, Jessica Caffrey of the Cook County Land Bank Authority, Ethan Ramsey of Austin Coming Together, Athena Williams of Oak Park Regional Housing Center, and Melissa Cleveland of BMO Harris Bank.

Meet Lizzette, a mother of three. In partnership with Will-Grundy Habitat for Humanity, Lizzette now has the security of a forever home for her family – because everyone deserves a safe, stable home for generations to come.

Watch her story here: https://youtu.be/jvZN42u1wQY

Lizzette shared her Habitat journey on June 9th as part of the 2026 Habitat Hero Award Dinner! The honorees for this year’s dinner are Wintrust and The Women Builders, five affiliate champions from across the region building strong communities: Lori Bergman, Amy Bilton, Kathryn Festen, Michelle Jorwic Carr, and Marilyn Sweeney. 👏👏



Habitat for Humanity Chicago 🏠 DuPage and Chicago South Suburbs Habitat for Humanity 🏠 Lake-McHenry Habitat for Humanity 🏠 Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley 🏠 Will-Grundy Habitat for Humanity 🏠 🏠 Habitat for Humanity

CHICAGO (June 9, 2026) — Chicagoland Habitat for Humanity honored Wintrust and five Women Build champions on June 9 at its 11th annual Habitat Hero Award Dinner, for their contributions to Habitat for Humanity’s mission and their commitment to expanding access to safe, stable, and affordable housing in the region.

More than 330 supporters gathered at the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel in Chicago for the event, themed “Together, We Empower.” WGN anchor Micah Materre returned as emcee, helping celebrate the volunteers, donors, corporate partners, and homeowners. “Together, we are not simply raising funds; we are building homes, preserving homes, strengthening neighborhoods, and supporting families as they create stronger financial futures,” Materre told attendees.

The event was co-chaired by Shahara Byford, President and Owner, Byford Construction, Inc.; Carolyn Jaw, Executive Vice President, FHLBank Chicago; and Ashlee Pforr, Vice President, Interiors, Skender. “Everyone deserves a decent place to live,” said Pforr. “We are grateful to the many partners whose generosity is empowering families to achieve the dream of homeownership and preserve the homes that are the foundation of their lives.”

For over 40 years, Habitat for Humanity has had a local presence in the Chicago area across Cook, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will Counties. Chicagoland Habitat is a support organization to Habitat affiliates across seven counties, helping to raise awareness, supporting capacity building, and providing resources.

Wintrust received the 2026 Habitat Hero Award in recognition of its decades-long partnership with Habitat for Humanity. Since launching its partnership with Habitat, Wintrust employees have contributed more than 3,000 volunteer hours, and the company has provided more than $1.4 million in cash and in-kind support.

“On behalf of Wintrust and its 6,000 employees, I am honored to accept this award,” said Tim Crane, President and CEO of Wintrust Financial Corporation. “We value our partnership with Habitat for Humanity and share your belief that everyone deserves a better future.”

The evening also celebrated five Women Build champions whose dedication has helped advance Habitat’s mission and expand opportunities for women to achieve affordable homeownership. Since 1991, the Women Build program has brought women together to address the housing crisis and the barriers many women face in securing a stable place to call home. Through advocacy, fundraising, and volunteerism, Women Build harnesses the power of women supporting women to create stronger communities and brighter futures:

❤️ Amy Bilton, Habitat for Humanity Chicago
❤️ Michelle Jorwic-Carr, DuPage and Chicago South Suburbs Habitat for Humanity
❤️ Kathryn Festen, Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley
❤️ Marilyn Sweeney, Lake-McHenry Habitat for Humanity
❤️ Lori Bergman, honored posthumously, represented by Jay Bergman, Will-Grundy Habitat for Humanity

The evening featured a video of Lizzette, who shared her family’s journey to homeownership in partnership with Will-Grundy Habitat for Humanity and the security it provides for her three daughters. The event concluded with a paddle raise auction supporting Habitat’s affordable housing and home repair programs throughout the region.

For more information, visit chicagolandhabitat.org/habitathero.

https://chicagolandhabitat.org/wintrust-and-women-build-champions-receive-2026-chicagoland-habitat-hero-awards/

Wintrust and Women Build Champions Receive 2026 Chicagoland Habitat Hero Awards - Chicagoland Habitat for Humanity 11th annual Habitat Hero Award Dinner celebrates affordable housing supporters CHICAGO (June 9, 2026) — Chicagoland Habitat for Humanity honored...

Tonight’s the night! Congratulations to the recipients of our 2026 Habitat Hero Award recipients - Wintrust and The Women Builders, five affiliate champions from across the region: Lori Bergman, Amy Bilton, Kathryn Festen, Michelle Jorwic Carr and Marilyn Sweeney. 🏆 🙏

Help honor the Habitat Hero Award recipients and raise your hand to build a home in the Chicagoland area! Visit chicagolandhabitat.org/habitathero to find our more. 🏠 🔨 🏡



Habitat for Humanity Chicago 🏠 DuPage and Chicago South Suburbs Habitat for Humanity 🏠 Lake-McHenry Habitat for Humanity 🏠 Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley 🏠 Will-Grundy Habitat for Humanity 🏠 🏠 Habitat for Humanity

Meet Lizzette, a mother of three. In partnership with Will-Grundy Habitat for Humanity, Lizzette now has the security of a forever home for her family – because everyone deserves a safe, secure home for generations to come.

Tomorrow night, Lizzette will share her Habitat journey via video as part of the 2026 Habitat Hero Award Dinner! The honorees for this year’s dinner are Wintrust and The Women Builders, five affiliate champions from across the region. 👏👏👏

Please visit chicagolandhabitat.org/habitathero to donate or for more information.

Thank you to Clune Construction for your Home Builder sponsorship of our 2026 Habitat Hero Award Dinner! 👷🏼‍♂️ 🏠

Whether it’s participating in a Habitat for Humanity build day, introducing students to careers in construction, or helping at a local food bank, Clune has always been committed to giving back to the communities in which we live and work. They strive to cater to community needs and foster a climate of dignity and inclusivity that mirrors their communities’ varied composition.

Please visit chicagolandhabitat.org/habitathero to register or for more information. The honorees for this year’s dinner on June 9 are Wintrust and The Women Builders. 🏡🔨🏠

Thank you to ITW for your Home Builder sponsorship of our 2026 Habitat Hero Award Dinner! 👷🏼‍♂️ 🏠

Illinois Tool Works (ITW) supports Habitat for Humanity in the Chicagoland region through both financial contributions and dedicated employee volunteer efforts. Together, we're building safe, affordable homes and making a lasting impact on local families and communities.

Please visit chicagolandhabitat.org/habitathero to register or for more information. The honorees for this year’s dinner on June 9 are Wintrust and The Women Builders. 🏡🔨🏠