CHA resident-owned businesses awarded grants to aid in COVID-19 relief efforts

Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago’s “Targeted Impact Fund” also promotes equity and opportunity for communities of color

CHICAGO – RealEstateRama – Seven Chicago Housing Authority resident- owned businesses were recently awarded $5,000 grants from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago’s “Targeted Impact Fund” to support relief efforts for populations hardest hit by COVID-19. The fund also aims to promote equity and opportunity for communities of color.

CHA CEO Tracey Scott presented the checks to the businesses during a virtual presentation.

“We know how hard it is to run a business, much less keep a business afloat during an economic downturn and global pandemic,” CEO Scott said during the presentation. “Working with Federal Home Loan Bank, CHA is happy to provide funds to help these businesses continue their journey. We value their contributions and applaud them for serving as a role models of what’s possible – for our youth and others.”

The awarded businesses were:

• Ebony Grover (Pearlie Sue Cleaning),
• Deadra Howell (Howell’s Journey professional cleaning)
• Noni Arnold (Helping Hands day care)
• Irene Harris (Brilliance cleaning)
• Xochilt Mejia (The Water Station health and wellness)
• Kimberly Griggs (On The Move cleaning)
• Tawanda Stange (Ms. B’s Kitchen and Catering).

Stange said she will use the funds to modernize her business. Arnold said she’ll use it for day care improvement: “This will help to make the playground safer for kids and to provide PPE equipment,” she said.

All of the business owners agreed that the funds came at a crucial time, as they pivot their businesses during the pandemic.

“This is much needed,” Grover said.

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Press contacts:
Office of Communications – Chicago Housing Authority
Matthew Aguilar: (312) 935-2646; (312) 523-7067;