The Event will Feature Remarks from Key Leaders, Including State Senator Adriane Johnson, State Representative Rita Mayfield, Lake County Board Chair Sandra Hart, and Mayor Leon Rockingham, Jr.

NORTH CHICAGO–YouthBuild Lake County (YBLC), a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering local youth, will host a groundbreaking ceremony for its newest affordable housing sites on Friday, August 23. YBLC owns three lots on Honore Avenue in North Chicago, and this home will be the first of three single-family, affordable houses to be built. This project marks a significant step toward addressing the critical need for affordable housing in North Chicago. These homes will also serve as training sites for participants from two of YBLC’s programs.

This event will feature addresses from distinguished local dignitaries, including Illinois State Senator Adriane Johnson, Illinois State Representative Rita Mayfield, Lake County Board Chair Sandra Hart, and North Chicago Mayor Leon Rockingham, Jr. YBLC Executive Director Tameka Wilson will also share insights on the project’s impact and the opportunities it will create for program participants. Upon completion, these homes will be sold to low-income families.

During the ceremony, YBLC graduate Ashley Hernandez will be honored for receiving the 2024 YouthBuild AmeriCorps Spirit of Service Award. The award recognizes Hernandez’s outstanding leadership through service, as well as her commitment to personal growth and serving the Chicago community.

WHAT: Groundbreaking Ceremony for YBLC’s Affordable Housing Project

WHEN: Friday, August 23, from 9 – 11 a.m. CT (Program begins at 9:30 a.m.)

WHERE: 2129 Honore Avenue, North Chicago, IL 60064

WHO:

YouthBuild Lake County Executive Director Tameka Wilson
Illinois State Senator Adriane Johnson, D-Buffalo Grove
Illinois State Representative Rita Mayfield, D-Gurnee
Lake County Board Chair Sandra Hart
North Chicago Mayor Leon Rockingham, Jr.
Lake Bluff President Regis Charlot

Attendees are invited to join for light refreshments following the program. Media interested in attending should confirm their attendance with Cole Koretos at cole@risestrategygroup.com. Interview opportunities with Tameka Wilson, Executive Director of YBLC are available upon request.

About YouthBuild Lake County
YouthBuild Lake County’s (YBLC) mission is to provide underserved young adults with the education, training and life skills necessary to become gainfully employed and build a better future. YBLC believes that every young person has the power to succeed and create a better life for themselves and their families with access to the right resources and support system. YBLC offers free programs for underserved youth in Lake County to obtain their high school diploma, earn industry-recognized credentials and certifications, develop career readiness skills, and complete hands-on work experience so they can move into careers, college or vocational schools.