CHICAGO (Aug. 1, 2018) — Baird & Warner, Chicagoland’s largest family-owned independent residential real estate services company, today announced the 10 finalists vying for $120,000 in grants to nonprofit organizations serving the homeless through its Good Will Network philanthropic initiative. Public voting is open through Friday, Aug. 31 to choose the five winners.

Baird & Warner’s team of broker associates, loan officers and employees nominated nonprofit organizations for their innovative programs to provide aid, shelter and services for homeless populations in neighborhoods across Chicagoland. For a second-straight year, the $24K of Solid Good program will award a $24,000 grant to each winner.

“Baird & Warner has been working hand-in-hand with Chicagoland communities for 163 years to support efforts enhancing the quality of life for everyone,” said Jennifer Alter Warden, chief operating officer and executive vice president of Baird & Warner. “Homelessness impacts thousands of families and can touch every neighborhood. We believe everyone deserves a safe place to call home and continue to be inspired by the incredible work of these organizations to provide shelter and support to those who need it most.”

Baird & Warner is inviting people to vote for the five winners by visiting vote.bairdwarner.com. Voting will close Friday, Aug. 31.

The grants will be awarded to the five charities that receive the most online votes. The finalists are:

  • 360 Youth Services (Naperville) – Delivers life-changing services to youth through substance abuse prevention education, counseling and housing.
  • Almost Home Kids (Naperville) – Offers transitional care in a home-like setting to children with complicated health needs, including training for their families and respite care.
  • Bridge Communities (Glen Ellyn) – Connects homeless families to partners to provide mentoring, housing and supportive services.
  • HOW: Housing Opportunities for Women (Chicago) – Empowers women, children and families to break the cycle of poverty and homelessness.
  • La Casa Norte (Chicago) – Serves youth and families confronting homelessness by offering access to stable housing and comprehensive services that can transform lives and communities.
  • McHenry County PADS/Pioneer Center for Human Services (McHenry) – Offers emergency and transitional housing paired with support services to help people experiencing homelessness work toward becoming self-sufficient.
  • PADS Lake County (Waukegan) – Provides emergency shelter, permanent supportive housing, and comprehensive resources to families with children, as well as individuals, experiencing homelessness, in Lake County.
  • Naperville Responds for Veterans (Naperville) – Assists veterans and their families in need, especially those with low and moderate income, by raising donations of money, building materials and professional labor, and coordinating the process of repairing, building and donating homes.
  • Safe Families For Children (Chicago) – Facilitates network to temporarily host children and provide a network of support to families in crisis while they get back on their feet.
  • A Safe Place (Zion) – Helps domestic violence survivors transform their lives through intervention programs and educates the community about domestic violence to support prevention.

The five winning charities will be announced in September.

Baird & Warner’s Good Will Network launched the $24K of Solid Good program last year with five $24,000 donations to Chicagoland non-profits that provide support services and shelter for the area’s homeless population, as well as serve those with disabilities and special healthcare needs. Last year’s winners included BEDS Plus Care Inc.; Housing Opportunities for Women; PADS of Elgin, Inc.; Marklund; and Turning Pointe Autism Foundation. Learn more about last year’s winners here.

Since 2002, the Baird & Warner Good Will Network has donated more than $2.2 million, as well as thousands of volunteer hours, to a wide array of Chicagoland nonprofit organizations that provide aid for the homeless. Additionally, the Good Will Network has supported other efforts to support people in crisis, including its recent support of Hurricane Harvey victims in Texas.

About Baird & Warner Real Estate, Inc.:
Established in 1855, Baird & Warner is the nation’s first and Illinois’ largest family owned real estate services company. The Baird & Warner brand has been synonymous with experience, innovation, and integrity for more than 160 years. Steve Baird, the firm’s fifth-generation owner, has been consistently recognized among the industry’s most influential leaders. Baird & Warner was named the No. 1 Top Workplace in Chicagoland by the Chicago Tribune in 2017, and No. 1 in real estate for the sixth consecutive year. With nearly 2,400 broker associates in 30 offices and comprehensive mortgage, title, and relocation services, Baird & Warner ranks among the nation’s top real estate firms. Learn more at www.BairdWarner.com.