Mercy Housing Lakefront’s Board of Directors plays critical roles in establishing strategy and expanding the real estate and financial capacity of the organization.  Through their efforts, they help thousands of people to escape homelessness and work towards greater economic self-sufficiency.

This year, Mercy Housing Lakefront welcomed Onjada Haggard-Richardson and Tom Gates to the Board of Directors.  Onjada has over 23 years of banking experience and currently serves as the Chicago team lead for Citi Private Bank’s law firm group, where she is also a director and senior banker.  Tom has 37 years of finance and real estate experience and currently works as a Principal Consultant for the Thornwood Group, LLC.

Through years of service, Charlie Hoch and Mike Clune have played a critical role in guiding and expanding the impact of Mercy Housing Lakefront.  Catherine McAuley, founder of the Sisters of Mercy, once said she “would rather be cold and hungry than the poor should be deprived of any consolation in our power to afford.”  Through their contributions, Mike and Charlie have helped fulfill her wish by enabling thousands of people to gain access to safe, affordable homes.

Charlie Hoch, professor of urban planning and policy at UIC’s College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs, joined the Board of Lakefront Supportive Housing in 1998.  Mike Clune, Chairman of Clune Construction, joined the Board of Lakefront Supportive Housing in 2003.  Together with their fellow Board Members, they helped to guide the merger between Lakefront Supportive Housing and Mercy Housing that created Mercy Housing Lakefront.

Charlie is currently the Vice Chairman of Mercy Housing Lakefront and serves on the Executive, Resident Services, and Real Estate Opportunities Committees.  Mike Clune serves on the Nominating Committee and has provided expertise as a past Board Member of Mercy’s 180° Properties social enterprise and a past member of the Real Estate Opportunities and Resource Development Committees.

Mercy Housing Lakefront is thankful for Mike and Charlie’s service. Their passion and expertise have helped thousands of homeless and at-risk families and individuals to live in hope.