Chicago Housing Authority Distributes 5,000 New Coats to Families and Children at 19th Annual Operation Warm
Chicago Housing Authority Distributes 5,000 New Coats to Families and Children at 19th Annual Operation Warm
Annual Event Provided Families with Warm Clothing, New Books, Vaccines, and Resources Ahead of Winter
The Chicago Housing Authority distributed 5,000 brand-new winter coats to families and children at the agency’s 19th annual Operation Warm event. Nearly 1,600 families living in public housing or participating in the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program attended to pick up warm clothing for the upcoming winter and connect with resources to support their families’ well-being.
The event featured remarks from Keith Pettigrew, CEO of CHA and Melissa Conyears-Ervin, Chicago City Treasurer.
“Every child in Chicago deserves to walk into winter feeling warm and confident,” said Keith Prettigrew, CEO of the Chicago Housing Authority. “For 19 years, Operation Warm has shown what’s possible when CHA and our partners come together for our residents. A new coat is the start, but this event is really about making sure families leave with the resources that help them thrive long after the season changes.”
Alongside coat distribution, the event’s service fair brought together 29 organizations offering a variety of resources and services to attendees. A major highlight was the distribution of 15,000 brand-new books through the National Book Foundation’s Book Rich Environment Initiative, as well as free COVID-19 and flu vaccines and boosters, haircuts, cell phones and CityKey cards.
Among the attendees were Melissa Poore, a South Shore CHA resident and mother of three: two sons ages 13 and 1 and a daughter age 11. Melissa says new winter coats will give her peace of mind through Chicago’s harsh winters. She is also looking forward to connecting with resources at the service fair, including LIHEAP energy assistance, employment opportunities, and health and wellness services.
“Operation Warm is about giving families comfort, security, and peace of mind,” said CHA resident Melissa Poore. “As a mother, I’m truly thankful to CHA and everyone involved for showing families like mine that we are supported, valued, and cared for. A simple act of kindness can make a lasting difference.”
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