Representatives from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (FHLBank Chicago), CIBC Bank USA, Jewish Family Services (JFS), and local dignitaries joined together on July 24 at the grand opening of the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Residences at Woodale Crossing, a new affordable and supportive senior housing development in Brown Deer, Wis.

FHLBank Chicago awarded a $1 million Affordable Housing Program (AHP) General Fund grant through member CIBC Bank USA to assist with construction.

Woodale Crossing features 56 high-quality, affordable apartments for adults aged 55 and older, with 25% of the units designated for residents with disabilities who have experienced homelessness. The development includes on-site supportive services provided by JFS, helping residents maintain stability, wellness, and independence.

“CIBC is proud to support a development that expands access to affordable housing that addresses the unique needs of older adults and residents with disabilities,” said Adam Rogers, Managing Director at CIBC Bank USA. “Woodale Crossing proactively creates more affordable housing in our community.”

AHP grants subsidize the acquisition, new construction, or rehabilitation of rental or owner-occupied housing. Delivered in partnership with FHLBank Chicago financial institution members, these forgivable grants help address ongoing housing supply challenges by expanding access to quality affordable housing in many communities.

“Woodale Crossing reflects what’s possible when housing is designed with long-term wellbeing in mind,” said Katie Naftzger, SVP and Community Investment Officer at FHLBank Chicago. “We are proud to partner with CIBC and JFS to support a development that meets both housing and service needs in a meaningful way.”

Elmer Moore Jr., Executive Director at Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA); Jim Scudder, Managing Director, Community Development at CIBC Bank USA; Danny Gutman, Vice President, Originations at National Equity Fund; Jen Schaefer, Community Investment Policy and Programs Analyst at FHLBank Chicago; and Daniel Fleischman, Interim CEO and Vice President of Housing and Residential Services at Jewish Family Services, at the grand opening of the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Residences at Woodale Crossing in Brown Deer, Wisconsin—an affordable housing development supported by a $1 million Affordable Housing Program (AHP) grant from FHLBank Chicago.

In 2024, FHLBank Chicago awarded $48 million in AHP General Fund grants to 35 affordable housing projects, helping create over 1,300 new or rehabilitated housing units. FHLBank Chicago will announce 2025 grant awardees this fall.

“Affordable housing remains inaccessible to many of my constituents and Americans nationwide. I am thankful to the leaders and partners who made these important investments and helped respond to a critical need in our community. These new residences will give more seniors and people with disabilities in Brown Deer the stability and security of a high-quality, affordable home,” said Rep. Gwen Moore (WI‑4).

JFS led the development with support from financial partners, community stakeholders, and FHLBank Chicago’s AHP General Fund. Other partners included the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA), National Equity Fund, the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, Otto Bremer Trust, Bader Philanthropies, and Milwaukee County.

“Woodale Crossing was designed to support residents in living independently while having access to services that help them thrive,” said Daniel Fleischman, Vice President of Housing and Residential Services at JFS. “This community reflects our belief that stability, respect, and access to care should be part of every housing solution.”