After years of housing instability, Richard found comfort, connection, and peace at Constitution House.

Richard has fond memories of serving fountain drinks to customers as a “soda jerk” at his grandfather’s pharmacy when he was growing up in Illinois. He struggled with life at home, where he often felt lonely and deprived of love. “It was a rough upbringing for me,” Richard, now 73, recalls, sharing that he spent much of his time alone in the basement.

As an adult, he tried to create his own path but fell on hard times.

“Financially, I went through some problems, and I wound up kind of poor. It was pretty rough going.”

After his divorce, Richard struggled to find permanent housing and a sense of community. He lived in several places, but none were suitable for the long term. He learned about Mercy Housing Lakefront’s Constitution House, applied, and moved in when an apartment became available.

“It’s a subsidized building, but it’s fabulous,” Richard said.

Living on a fixed income, Richard appreciates Mercy Housing Lakefront’s partnership with the Northern Illinois Food Bank, which delivers nutritious food to residents. “It’s great that I don’t have to scrounge up dollars for food,” he said. “That’s a big financial savings for me.”

Onsite programs also reduce isolation and build community. Richard participates in a mental health group facilitated by the National Alliance on Mental Illness Kane-South, DeKalb and Kendall Counties (NAMI KDK).

For Richard, these connections have made Constitution House feel like home.

After years of unstable housing, Richard says simply, “I really feel blessed to be here.”