Dear Friends,

At LUCHA, we believe that housing is a human right. For 43 years, this belief has guided our work across neighborhoods as we build, protect, and preserve affordable housing. Together, we give our neighbors a chance to thrive in the community they call home.

This year, we saw firsthand how partnerships and purpose can transform lives and strengthen neighborhoods. LUCHA is especially proud to celebrate one year of partnership with Association House. This strategic alliance, with the help of you – our donors, stakeholders, staff and participants – has helped expand access to affordable housing, supportive services, and pathways to stability.

Among our key achievements this year was the completion and grand opening of Encuentro Square. This affordable housing development provides 89 families with safe, quality homes in Logan Square. It is Enterprise Green Communities–certified due to its positive environmental impact, projected to reduce 26,000 tons of CO2 and save over $131 million in water and energy costs over its lifetime. Beyond development, LUCHA’s homebuying workshops and legal services connected more than 150 individuals and families to affordable homeownership — helping them stay in the neighborhoods they love and preserve their community’s culture.

These accomplishments highlight how crucial our work is in a time of growing uncertainty. Our community faces pressure from federal funding cuts. Families are navigating disruptions to vital programs like SNAP. Tenants are afraid to leave their homes due to heightened immigration enforcement. Through it all, LUCHA remains a steady source of support, advocacy, and hope.

We are preparing for an ambitious next chapter including the historic conversion of a church into 100% affordable housing at La Herencia, phase two of Encuentro Square, and the recapitalization of scattered-site units across West Town and Logan Square. And we recently expanded our team, welcoming community leader, Christian Díaz, to support these goals.

We are deeply grateful for your continued partnership and support. Together, we are shaping a future where every Chicagoan has access to a safe, stable, and dignified place to call home.