Every day throughout communities in Illinois and Wisconsin, we make a positive and lasting impact together with our member financial institutions and partnering organizations. At FHLBank Chicago, we want to showcase our District's stories of innovation, adaptability, and resilience serving these communities. Stories like this may include:
- Community partnership
- Community development
- Affordable housing support
- Small business successes
- Economic development in your communities
In the form below, please share a brief summary of your story, important details, and any relevant attachments to help us tell your story and share it in our District and beyond.
Find Inspiration From Our Story Examples
Partnering With Community Banks to Support Main Street in Deerfield
Deerfield Coffeehouse in Dane County, Wisconsin is more than a quick stop for your morning joe and a bite to eat. Since opening on Deerfield’s Main Street in 2019, the shop has been a popular destination for people who live and work in the area.
Before opening, owner Teresa Pelletier knew she’d have to eventually make improvements to the space—it had strong bones and character but was run down from weather and needed repairs to the storefront. When she started hearing from new customers that the building was tough to find due to the building’s appearance and signage, she knew she needed help.
Her local banker at the Bank of Deerfield, Ben Mlsna, told her about FHLBank Chicago’s Community First Accelerate Grants for Small Business, which provides grant funds to strengthen small businesses. Pelletier applied and received a $25,000 grant for building upgrades, and a 5% match from Bank of Deerfield. “A lot of our job as a small community bank is focusing on the relationship,” said Mlsna. “When you have an opportunity to give back like that, and you know the people personally, it makes the decision easy.
Expanding Affordable Housing for Chicago Residents
FHLBank Chicago plays a significant role in supporting affordable housing in Illinois and Wisconsin through our Affordable Housing Program, which includes our competitive AHP General Fund awards and down payment assistance through our DPP® Programs.
In 2022, final renovations at Carlton Apartments were completed providing modern amenities like a computer lab and Wi-Fi.
“Between the addition of the lab and free Wi-Fi, we have enabled our residents to more effectively access their healthcare, find employment resources, and secure appropriate government benefits. The central AC is certainly a major and much-needed upgrade, but the technological improvements have brought the Carlton into the 21st century and made immediate quality-of-life improvements for our residents.” - Brian Campbell, Case Manager, Mercy Housing Lakefront