Mother-Daughter Duo Graduates from Chicago Housing Authority’s LevelUp Program

Traceye Butler and her daughter Shannell walked into a Chicago Housing Authority office in 2019 and inquired about becoming homeowners. Five years later, they are not only on the road to accomplishing their goal – but their journey has allowed them to grow closer. Both graduated last week from LevelUp, a Chicago Housing Authority wealth-building program that helps residents achieve their goals, whether it be improving credit, going back to school or – in the Butlers’ case – becoming homeowners. “We live together and she is a school teacher so we don’t get a chance to do a lot together, but this program seems to have brought us closer,” Traceye Butler said. “It felt real good completing the program with her.” The Butlers, who previously lived in Dearborn Homes before settling in Oakwood Shores, were two of the 73 residents who received their LevelUp certificates of completion at a ceremony at the Charles A. Hayes Family Investment Center. LevelUp participants receive monetary payouts for successfully completing milestones, such as earning a degree or starting a new career. The savings are set aside in an escrow account and the money accrued is disbursed at the time of successful completion of the...