Today we’d like to introduce you to Scott Ammarell.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Scott. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My passion for the work that I do came about in a circuitous way and involves several reinventions of myself! I’m educated as a lawyer and spent the first ten years of my career practicing law with several major Chicago law firms. After realizing that major law firm life was not my calling, I left the practice of law and started building homes and developing real estate in the Western Suburbs. By so doing, I quickly became aware of the importance of housing in people’s lives and the scarcity of low-income and affordable housing.
Following the events of 9/11, I realized that I needed to make a change in my career focus again and eventually I went to work as a lawyer for the Chicago Housing Authority. After a short period of time, I was appointed the Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel of the CHA and oversaw the legal work for the transformation of public housing in the City of Chicago. My time at the CHA was invaluable and really cemented in my being the importance of not only housing people of low income, but the necessity of providing meaningful services to empower them as well.
My passion quickly expanded to the issues of housing in the LGBTQ community and particularly for those with HIV/AIDS. At Chicago House, I have the unique opportunity to focus my talents on providing housing and social services to people living with HIV/AIDS, which continues to disproportionately impact the LGBTQ community because of continued marginalization of this community and the poverty associated with it.
It is my goal at Chicago House to expand housing and services to our clients to empower them to achieve their fullest potential and life healthy, fulfilled lives.
Has it been a smooth road?
Taking over as the head of a well-established agency with a wonderful reputation is never an easy task. I was thrilled to discover an immense level of talent within the staff of the agency, who are dedicated and passionate about the work that we do and the clients that we serve. Of course, there were some internal adjustments that needed to be made to the processes and infrastructure of the agency and the results of those changes have poised Chicago House to continue to be a leading provider of housing and social services in the City.
There are also external challenges facing the agency. New state and federal administrations have presented issues that require strategic analysis and thoughtful action to ensure that the agency continues to provide services essential to our mission.
We expect that the agency will overcome all such challenges and we are all very excited about what the future will bring.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Chicago House and Social Service Agency – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Chicago House and Social Service Agency has been on the forefront of reducing barriers for those affected by HIV/AIDS since its inception in 1985 and the very early years of the AIDS epidemic. Chicago House has a long history of “firsts” and I am immensely proud of what the agency has accomplished.
Founded in 1985 as the first HIV housing provider in the Midwest, Chicago House originally provided housing for those who were dying of AIDS. The supportive housing and hospice care that we provided allowed thousands of men to end their lives with dignity and in the presence of caring, loving people. This first leaves an indelible mark on the agency and guides our actions and plans today.
Chicago House was also the first community-based organization to target HIV prevention services to those already living with HIV and the first Midwest provider of employment services designed specifically to address the barriers and concerns of HIV-positive people face upon entering the workforce.
Over the past 30 years, Chicago House’s services have evolved to include over 200 units of housing for individuals and families impacted by HIV/AIDS, employment services, HIV prevention services, linkage to medical care, legal services and wrap-around support for the many challenges facing those we serve.
Several years ago, Chicago House implemented a comprehensive Trans Life Care program specifically designed to provide housing and services to trans-identified individuals to provide safe and affirming spaces for trans-identified people to escape the marginalization and discriminatory practices that severely impact their well-being and ability to thrive.
Today, Chicago House continues to innovate and pioneer programs that take into account each individual’s life circumstances and provide necessary support so that our clients can lead self-sufficient and healthy lives.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I have lived my entire adult life in the Chicagoland area and cannot imagine living anywhere else. From the lakefront to the parks to the culture and restaurants, there truly is no better place to live. The people are warm and caring and loving and are so supportive to the type of work that we do.
Obviously, violence, poverty and segregation continue to be social issues in Chicago and I am a vocal supporter of the reform necessary to address those issues.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1925 N. Clybourn Avenue,
Suite 401,
Chicago, IL 60614 - Website: www.chicagohouse.org
- Phone: 773-248-5200
- Email: sammarell@chicagohouse.org
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
