Affordable Housing

Essential work carried out by our partners makes access to housing an option for everyone, regardless of background, abilities or income.

Dublin, Ireland

Focus Ireland

Focus Ireland works to address and end homelessness by giving expert advice and practical help to those in need of shelter. With offices in central Dublin and across Ireland, it is also a welcoming place for a low-cost meal and friendly ear. One success story is 28-year-old Susan, who was evicted with her young daughter and shortly afterwards lost her job. The team helped support her through her search for a home and a means of income, and she has turned her situation around. Thanks to donors like Northern Trust, Focus Ireland supports over 500 families out of homelessness each year.

“Our home is the foundation stone of our personal and family life. It is where we feel safe. I am proud to say that Focus Ireland has played a key role in helping so many (homeless) families and individuals to move on and secure a place to call home.”

SR STANISLAUS KENNEDY

Life President and Founder, Focus Ireland

Manila, Philippines

Chosen Children Village Foundation

Abandoned children with mental and physical challenges need special care, love and attention. The Chosen Children Village Foundation looks after kids like these in a purpose-built compound in Greater Manila, in the Philippines, where their health, rehabilitation and education are nurtured by a staff of professionals and volunteers and funded by donors like Northern Trust. The organization aims to boost the potential of children with disabilities, so that they can become self-reliant adults. Chosen Children Village Foundation looked after 68 children in 2024, providing them with a safe home, good food, healthcare and skill development.

“At Chosen Children Village, we take immense pride in being a source of happiness and inspiration for everyone who comes through our doors. Seeing the energy and talent of our children is truly heartwarming, and each child teaches us valuable lessons in resilience, joy, and determination,” said Kutada Shyam Raj, a trainee. “Our caregivers provide unwavering love and affection, while our teachers nurture not just their minds but also their emotions, ensuring every child feels valued and understood.”

KUTADA SHYAM RAJ

Trainee

San Francisco, California

Raphael House

Finding a home is the foundation for a stable family life. That’s the mission of Raphael House in San Francisco, which helps low-income and homeless families strengthen their bonds and build better lives through stable housing and financial independence. Raphael House assists each family to search for a permanent home, while providing them with a private room, meals and clothing. Families also participate in a variety of ongoing supportive programs, such as financial literacy and career development, so they can work toward self-sufficiency. The Adopt-a-Family program gave 165 families essential resources and holiday assistance in 2024, with Northern Trust providing funding as well as volunteers like Richard Toft, who is part of the Raphael House executive leadership council.

“I can’t express in words how much Raphael House has saved each of us when we were in our darkest moments. Thanks so much again a million, zillion times over.”

CLIENT

Raphael House

Chicago, United States

All Chicago

In Chicago, 11,000+ people are living on the streets or in shelters on any given night. Tens of thousands more are just one unexpected setback away from joining them. All Chicago’s Emergency Fund works to ensure its clients’ short-term funding emergencies do not turn into a long-term crisis which is more difficult to address. It helps to bridge funding barriers to provide for things like rent, utilities, bus passes or medication, underpinned by donors like Northern Trust. By helping people retain and obtain stable housing, All Chicago is giving housing stability to those in insecure financial circumstances.

“In Chicago, thousands of people are living on the streets or in shelters on any given night.  Chicago is my home and these are my neighbors.  We must do what we can to help and protect those around us who are vulnerable – now more than ever.”  

LAUREN ALLNUTT